Assessment of Craniofacial Trauma at a Level 1 Trauma Center: Early Depression Risk Screening
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
5-9-2025
Abstract
The face plays a crucial role in personal identity and social interactions, with craniofacial injuries potentially causing substantial emotional strain. Approximately 20% of individuals suffering from facial injuries exhibit signs of depression and anxiety. Acute care of traumatic injuries prioritizes physical injuries, often leading to overlooked psychological conditions, such as depression. Corewell Health West administers the Inured Trauma Survivor Screening (ITSS) to assess depression risk in all trauma patients. However, there is paucity of data on how different types of craniofacial trauma and admission factors influence depression rates. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of depression in craniofacial trauma and identify trauma-related risk factors associated with early signs of depression.
A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify craniofacial trauma patients via ICD-10 codes. All patients admitted to the trauma service at Corewell Health West from June 2022 to January 2024, with craniofacial fractures and completion of the ITSS survey were included. Patients with a pre-existing diagnosis of depression were excluded. Patient charts were reviewed for demographic data, mechanism of injury, presentation, facial fracture type, operative management, and ITSS survey scores for depression risk. A p-value
221 patients met our inclusion criteria and had a median age of 53 years (IQR: 33.0, 70.0); 67.4% were male. 92.3% of patients were admitted and the median length of hospital stay was 3 days (IQR: 2.0, 6.0). 27% of patients screened positive for depression risk via the ITSS survey. Age, craniofacial fracture type, and discharge to inpatient rehab were significant predictors of depression risk. With every one-year increase in age, the odds of a positive depression risk score were 0.98 times that of negative one (p-value = 0.0011). A mandibular fracture increased the odds of positive depression risk compared to a nasal fracture (OR 6.36; 95% C.I.: 1.07-37.81; p=0.0194).
Craniofacial trauma is associated with high rates of post-traumatic depression. With this study we support the utility of the ITSS survey in the trauma setting and encourage its use for traumatic craniofacial injuries regardless of the nature of the injury. However, we found that factors such as patient age, craniofacial fracture type, and discharge to inpatient rehab are predictors of depression risk, and can be especially useful in settings where the ITSS is not available or in conjunction with the tool to raise suspicion for depression risk.
Recommended Citation
Lucchesi B, Patmon D, Bushong E, Pfershy H, Lee J, Ford R. Assessment of craniofacial trauma at a level 1 trauma center: early depression risk screening . Presented at: Research Day Corewell Health West; 2025 May 9; Grand Rapids, MI.
Comments
2025 Research Day Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI, May 9, 2025.
Abstract 1847