COVID-19 Social distancing measures altered the epidemiology of facial injury - A UK-Australia comparative study

The purpose of this study was to undertake a retrospective cross-sectional analysis that compared the frequency and characteristics of facial injury presentations at a UK and an Australian tertiary referral hospital during COVID-19 social distancing. The primary predictor variables were a heterogeneous set of factors grouped into logical categories: demographics, injury mechanisms and site, and management. The primary outcome variable was the presentation of a hard or soft tissue facial injury. A descriptive statistical analysis was undertaken on the assembled data. The study found a clinical and statistically significant reduction in the frequency (absolute numbers) and prevalence (number per 1000 population) of facial injuries at each study site. In addition, the striking similarity common in both countries was an increase in facial injury due to falls and a decrease in facial injury due to interpersonal violence. Conservative (non-operative) management of facial injury increased at both sites. The implementation of COVID-19 social distancing public health measures, aimed at limiting the community transmission of coronavirus, had a secondary serendipitous effect in reducing the frequency of facial injury presentations and altering its epidemiological characteristics at both a UK and Australian tertiary referral hospital.