The Implementation of COVID-19 Social Distancing Measures Changed the Frequency and the Characteristics of Facial Injury: The Newcastle (Australia) Experience.

Wang, Che-Jen; Hoffman, Gary R; Walton, Gary M

Study Design A retrospective study was undertaken of a cohort of facially injured patients using matched 8-week periods: non-COVID (2019) and COVID (2020). Objective To determine whether there were any changes to the frequency and characteristics of facial injury due to the imposition of COVID-19 social distancing measures. Methods The primary predictor variable was an 8-week period of COVID-19 social distancing. The primary outcome variable was the sustaining of a facial injury. Demographic (age/gender) and injury characteristics (mechanism, site, and treatment) were also studied. Descriptive statistical analysis was undertaken and comparison made using Pearson χ2 and Fisher's exact tests. Results The number of facial injuries decreased from 103 (2019) to 73 (2020). There were statistically significant differences in changes over time for the 8-week periods. There were some clinically apparent differences seen in the characteristics of facial injuries. Conclusions The imposition of COVID-19 social distancing changed the frequency and characteristics of facial injury.