Ann. Pak. Inst. Med. Sci. 2010; 6(2): 113-115
Objective: To assess the etiology and pattern of maxillofacial injuries in our settings.
Study design: Retrospective Study
Place: and Duration: This study was carried out at the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) between January 2005 and December 2009
Materials and Methods: Records of patients who were either treated in the Emergency Room as outpatients or in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as indoor patients were analyzed. Age, gender, cause, site and type of injury and treatment provided were recorded.
Results: Out of 2112 patients, 73% (n=1533) were male and 27% (n=579) were female. 48% of the patients were in the 13-30 year age bracket. Road traffic accidents accounted for the majority (57%) of cases of maxillofacial trauma while soft tissue injuries were the most frequently seen injury (43%). Mandible was seen as the most commonly fractured bone 75.6%(n=712) and majority of the bony maxillofacial injuries were treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).
Conclusion: Road traffic accidents were clearly the most prevalent etiological factor for maxillofacial trauma, therefore better, stricter road safety laws need to be evolved and implemented.
Key Words: Maxillofacial trauma, road traffic accident, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Introduction
Injuries to the maxillofacial region present one of the most challenging problems for healthcare professionals worldwide. Particular interest is created by the high incidence and diversity of facial lesions. Fractures of the facial skeleton are invariably associated with substantial morbidity, disfigurement, functional deficit and high cost for treatment.2
The causes of maxillofacial injuries have changed over the past three to four decades and continue to do so. Road traffic accidents are reported as the main cause of facial injuries in literature from developing countries whereas interpersonal violence remains the leading etiological source in the developed world.3 With regard to the anatomical sites, mandibular and zygomatic complex fractures account for the majority of all facial fractures and their occurrence varies according to the mechanism of injury and demographic factors, particularly, gender and age.4 The coordinated and sequential collection of information concerning demographic patterns of maxillofacial injuries may assist health care providers to record detailed and regular data of facial trauma. Consequently an understanding of the cause, severity, and chronological distribution of maxillofacial trauma permit clinical and research priorities to be established for effective treatment and prevention of these injuries.5
This study was developed because there is insufficient literary evidence from our region to accurately illustrate the etiology of these injuries. It is worthwhile to mention here that data on the etiology of maxillofacial injuries is essential to reflect upon the effectiveness of preventive measures, such as the introduction of seat belt and helmet legislations and to evolve further improved regulations.
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