The cost and inpatient burden of treating mandible fractures: A nationwide inpatient sample database analysis

Objective. To discuss patient demographics, hospitalizationcharacteristics, and costs associated with the treatment ofmandible fractures.

Study Design. Cross-sectional study.

Setting. The 2009 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database.Subjects/Methods. Patient demographics, hospital characteristics,fracture locations, and common comorbidities forpatients with isolated mandible fractures were analyzed, andvariables associated with increased cost and length of hospitalizationstay were ascertained.

Conclusion. The average cost for treatment of mandible fractureswas $35,804 per person with increased expendituresfor older patients and those with a history of mental illness,cardiovascular disease, or substance abuse. To improve outcomesand reduce hospital charges, outpatient resourcesand inpatient protocols should be implemented to addressthe factors we identified as contributing to higher costs andincreased hospital stay.

Results. A total of 1481 patients were identified with isolatedmandible fractures. The average age was 32, 85.4% weremale, 39% were Caucasian, and 25% African American.Forty percent were from the lowest median householdincome quartile, and 77% were uninsured or governmentfunded. The average length of stay (LOS) was 2.65 days, andaverage hospitalization cost was $35,804. A statistically significantincreased LOS was associated with alcohol abuse,drug abuse, mental illness, diabetes mellitus type 2, cardiovasculardisease, HIV, and age over 40. There was a statisticallysignificant increased total cost associated with drugabuse, alcohol abuse, mental illness, cardiovascular disease,and age over 40.