Spinal Cord Research Help
AboutCategoriesLatest ResearchContact
Subscribe
Spinal Cord Research Help

Making Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Research Accessible to Everyone. Simplified summaries of the latest research, designed for patients, caregivers and anybody who's interested.

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About
  • Categories
  • Latest Research
  • Disclaimer

Contact

  • Contact Us
© 2025 Spinal Cord Research Help

All rights reserved.

  1. Home
  2. Research
  3. Surgery
  4. Enhancing Cranio-Maxillofacial Fracture Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

Enhancing Cranio-Maxillofacial Fracture Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

J. Clin. Med., 2024 · DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082437 · Published: April 22, 2024

SurgeryTraumaPublic Health

Simple Explanation

Cranio-maxillofacial (CMF) injuries are a major problem in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) because they lack the necessary resources and training to deal with them effectively. This review looks at ways to improve CMF fracture care in these countries. The review suggests that educating local surgeons is key to making long-term improvements in CMF care. Digital platforms and on-site teaching are good ways to deliver this education. Other immediate solutions include transferring patients to specialized clinics and using off-label techniques to provide care despite limited resources. This requires teamwork between international organizations, local healthcare providers, and educational institutions.

Study Duration
January 2000 to June 2023
Participants
Twenty-three articles were included in the review
Evidence Level
Systematic Review

Key Findings

  • 1
    The review highlights the crucial role of education and training for local surgeons in LMICs, emphasizing that it's the cornerstone for sustainable improvements in CMF care.
  • 2
    Digital platforms and on-site teaching methods are effective ways to deliver educational content, ensuring local surgeons gain the necessary skills.
  • 3
    Immediate solutions to provide quality care despite resource constraints include patient transfer to specialized national clinics and innovative off-label techniques.

Research Summary

Cranio-maxillofacial (CMF) injuries pose a significant challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to inadequate infrastructure, resources, and training. Effective CMF fracture care in LMICs requires a multifaceted approach, emphasizing education and training for local healthcare professionals, facilitated patient transfer, and adoption of off-label solutions to leverage available resources. Collaborative efforts between international organizations, local healthcare providers, and educational institutions are essential to implement these solutions effectively and improve patient outcomes in LMICs.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Surgical Training

Prioritizing education and training of local surgeons in LMICs can lead to sustainable improvements in CMF care.

Optimized Resource Use

Adopting off-label solutions can maximize the utilization of available resources in resource-constrained settings.

Improved Patient Outcomes

Collaborative efforts between international organizations and local healthcare providers can enhance patient outcomes in LMICs.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Lack of prospectively randomized trials
  • 2
    Included case reports and case series leading to a high risk of bias
  • 3
    Challenges related to patient transfer due to transportation infrastructure in LMICs

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Surgery