Dynamic Trends in Surgical Oromaxillofacial Trauma Epidemiology: A Comparative Study of Pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 Periods in Tertiary Referral Hospitals in Madrid

<b>Introduction</b>: The COVID-19 pandemic has induced profound societal and healthcare transformations globally. <b>Material and methods</b>: This multicenter retrospective study aimed to assess potential shifts in the epidemiology and management of oromaxillofacial trauma requiring surgical intervention over a 1-year period encompassing the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, in comparison to the preceding year. The parameters investigated included age, sex, injury mechanisms, fractured bones, and treatment modalities. The statistical significance was set at <i>p</i> < 0.05. <b>Results</b>: A notable 39.36% reduction in oromaxillofacial fractures was identified (<i>p</i> < 0.001), with no significant alterations in sex distribution, types of fractured bones, or treatment modalities. An appreciable increase in mean age was observed (35.92 vs. 40.26) (<i>p</i> = 0.006). Analysis of the causes of oromaxillofacial trauma revealed diminished incidents of interpersonal violence (41% vs. 35%) and sports-related injuries (14% vs. 8%), alongside an escalation in cases attributed to falls (27% vs. 35%), precipitation events (2% vs. 5%), and traffic accidents (12% vs. 13%). The mandible emerged as the most frequently fractured bone. <b>Conclusion</b>: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has decreased the number of maxillofacial fractures treated surgically and has changed the epidemiology and the etiology of facial traumas.