Analysis of results in early versus late midface fracture repair

Objective: To evaluate the complication rate in relation to the timing of surgical repair of midface fractures. Study Design and Subjects: Retrospective chart review at a level 1 trauma center. Results: Thirty-four patients were evaluated. Overall complication rate was 23.5% with no significant difference between the early repair (21.1%) and late repair (26.7%) groups. The scope of facial fracture repair was similar between the two groups as measured by the number of screws used and through an injury quantifying system. The only variable that tended toward significance was intraoperative blood loss, which was greater in the early repair group (P = 0.06). Conclusions: There is no clear consensus with respect to timing of midface trauma repair. Early repair may result in greater blood loss. Further study is needed to help establish a more precise recommendation for the timing of midface trauma repair.