Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41286657›Full record

ArticleBMC geriatrics2025

Evaluation of geriatric head and neck trauma cases in a German highest-level trauma centre from 2018 to 2024.

Ákos Bicsák, Jens-Peter Stahl, Leonie Koch, Evangelos Vitkos, Stefan Hassfeld, Lars Bonitz

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC geriatrics, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Ákos Bicsák *Department of Health, University Witten/Herdecke, Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50, Witten, D-58455, Germany. akos.bicsak@gmail.com.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6865-2115
Jens-Peter Stahl *Department of Cranio- Maxillofacial Surgery, Regional Plastic Surgery, Dortmund General Hospital, Chair of the University Witten/Herdecke, Muensterstrasse 240, Dortmund, 44145, Germany.
Leonie KochDepartment of Health, University Witten/Herdecke, Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50, Witten, D-58455, Germany.
Evangelos VitkosDepartment of Health, University Witten/Herdecke, Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50, Witten, D-58455, Germany.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3899-355X
Stefan HassfeldDepartment of Health, University Witten/Herdecke, Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50, Witten, D-58455, Germany.
Lars BonitzDepartment of Health, University Witten/Herdecke, Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50, Witten, D-58455, Germany.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7333-4130

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundGeriatric populations face heightened vulnerability due to aging, socioeconomic challenges, and marginalization. In 2023, 18.1% of Germans over 65 were at risk of poverty, with women and those aged 80 + disproportionately affected. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (2020-2022) exacerbated these issues, restricting healthcare access. This study investigates geriatric head and neck trauma trends (2018-2024) across pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods.

methodsConducted at a level 1 trauma centre, data were sourced from the Dortmund Maxillofacial Trauma Registry (14,500 + cases, 2007-2024). Fractures were categorized per AO guidelines, and demographic analyses, fracture distribution and other medical conditions were presented.

resultsThis study analysed 973 geriatric head and neck trauma cases (2018-2024). Falls were predominant (82.6%), with significant comorbidities (2.6 per patient), including hypertension (64%). Males experienced a 73% decrease in case numbers in 2021. Injuries primarily affected the midface, with 52% requiring surgery. Pandemic disruptions influenced trends, highlighting geriatric trauma complexity and care demands are detailed analysed. DISCUSSION: Our study presents comprehensive data on geriatric head and neck traumatology, analyzing 65-75 y.o. and > 75 y.o. groups. Male predominance was significant at 65-70 y.o. (p < 0.001) but reversed above 75 y.o., with significant female dominance. Since the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, case numbers showed extreme volatility, with a 30% rise in females and 90% in males in 2021, followed by a record low in 2022. Cerebral injuries occurred in 49.3% of patients, with 2.6 comorbidities per capita and 52% requiring surgery. Anticoagulant therapy was frequent (≈ 74% antiplatelet, 26% anticoagulant). Falls caused 82% of injuries, predominantly affecting the nasal bone, zygomatic bone (218), and orbital floor (262), indicating high vulnerability in this population.

conclusionOur study reveals volatility in case numbers post-SARS-CoV-2, with males disproportionately affected. A high proportion of elderly patients take anticoagulants. Among the injured, there is a high rate with cerebral injury. Most fractures occur in exposed facial regions. Ongoing surveillance is essential to address increasing geriatric vulnerability.

Indexed as

COVID-19Craniocerebral TraumaNeck InjuriesTrauma CentersAccidental FallsAgedAged, 80 and overFemaleGermanyHumansMaleRegistriesSARS-CoV-2ElderlyFacial bone fractureGeriatricsHead and neck injuryMandibleMaxilla

Identifiers

PMID41286657
PMCPMC12811902

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.