The quality of life in the treatment of maxillofacial fractures using open reduction: A prospective study

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the impact of open reduction on quality of life in patients with maxillofacial fractures. Methods: A prospective study of 15 patients admitted to a general hospital in Bandung for maxillofacial trauma from October 2017 through February 2018 was conducted. Trauma severity was assessed using facial injury severity scale (FISS) score, while the quality of life was assessed using Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14 questionnaires at one day before surgery (T0) and 14 (T1) and 60 days (T2) after surgery. Results: Male (3.92±1.89) and younger patients (3.89±1.69) had a greater mean FISS score than their respective counterparts. The most common areas involved in maxillofacial fractures were mandible body (80%) and dentoalveolar (46.67%). The overall quality of life was worse in younger patients as indicated with a higher mean OHIP-14 score. There was a disparity in the domain of interest where younger patients (17-30 years) had more concern over psychological discomfort, whereas older patients (31-50 years) were more concerned about physical disability. Both qualitative and quantitative improvement in quality of life was observed in the follow-up period. Consistent and statistically significant improvement in mean OHIP-14 score before intervention (20.80±5.94), 14 days post-intervention (17.93±4.68), and 60 days post-intervention (14.67±3.42) was observed. Conclusion: Open surgery approach yielded a good outcome in quality of life improvement. Further study on demographic factors, timing, and quality of life domain affected in maxillofacial fractures is recommended.