Is age of the patient an independent predictor influencing the management of cranio-maxillo-facial trauma? A retrospective study of 308 patients.

Objective: To determine whether patient age is an independent predictor of indication for surgical treatment, realization of surgical procedure, and care management modality.
Study Design: We analyzed data of 308 patients with facial fractures. Patients were classified into four age groups: (1) 17 to 40 years old; (2) 41 to 64 years old; (3) 65 to 80 years old; (4) more than 81 years old.
Results: Multivariate analysis showed that the patient's age was associated with decreased indication and realization rate for surgery (P = .03 in Group 3; P = .05 in Group 4) and with an increased hospitalization rate (P = .004 in Group 3; P = .02 in Group 4). The presence of concomitant injuries and the fracture's location were associated with a decreased indication and realization rate for surgery regardless age.
Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that the patient's age was an independent predictor influencing the treatment decision and realization process as well as the care management modality.
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