PURPOSE: To describe a single institution series of patients treated by Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS) for traumatic injuries due to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). We also sought to assess plastic surgery trainees’ familiarity and competency in recognizing IPV.
METHODS: A retrospective analysis of female trauma patients within our system from 2016-2021 was conducted. The primary outcome measure was prevalence of IPV in patients treated by the on-call plastic surgery team. Secondary outcome measures included injury patterns of IPV patients versus non-IPV patients, for which chi square analysis was performed. A 10-question survey was also administered to PRS residents to assess their familiarity with IPV.
RESULTS: 292 patients evaluated by PRS at two major trauma centers were included. 20 patients (7%) screened positive for injury due to IPV. IPV patients were more likely to be younger (p=0.003), single (p=0.032), and African American or Native American (p=0.000). IPV patients were more likely to sustain mandible fractures (p=0.000), as well as upper extremity soft tissue injuries (p=0.000). The survey response rate was 42%. All respondents felt that IPV was somewhat or very relevant to their training, and all indicated that plastic surgeons are not trained to be familiar with IPV.
CONCLUSION: Female trauma patients with isolated mandibular fractures or upper extremity soft tissue injuries were found to be at increased risk for IPV at our institution. Plastic surgery training programs can consider increasing resident awareness of, and comfort level with, IPV in their patient population through educational efforts.