Facial Bone Fractures in Ile-Ife, Nigeria: An Update on Pattern of Presentation and Care

Abstract

Aims Traumatic injuries remain a major cause of morbidity, mortality and economic loss worldwide. An audit of maxillofacial injuries presenting and managed at any facility is key to understanding the trends, strategies for prevention and improving outcome of care. We sought to study the pattern and treatment of facial bone fractures managed at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, between 2005 and 2013. Also, to compare these with the pattern in the preceding 29 years. Methods Data on patients' socio-demographics, dates of injury and presentation, interval before presentation, agent of injury, type of crash, patient's status, type(s) of fracture, extent of injury, treatment offered and outcome were collected and analyzed. Results 311 patients aged 5-72 years were reviewed. A male preponderance was observed. Peak age incidence was 21-30 years and 86.1 % of injuries resulted from road traffic crashes (RTC) most (67.5 %) of which were motorcycle related injuries. 215 patients sustained mandibular fractures in 311 sites while 141 patients sustained 225 midface fractures. Of the 242 patients managed definitively, only 11.2 % had open reduction and internal fixation. Conclusion Motorcycle related RTC remains the major cause of facial bone fractures. Management with osteosynthesis is gradually emerging, although demonstrating fewer complications, it is unaffordable for a majority.

Crash characteristics and pattern of motorcycle related facial bone fractures in a sub-urban Nigerian teaching hospital

“…Several authors have attributed the higher prevalence of mandibular fractures to the mobility and prominence of the bone. [ 2 3 4 6 7 10 14 ] In agreement with similar reports,[ 3 14 16 ] the body of the mandible was the most commonly fractured part of the bone. Furthermore, we found that zygomatic bone was the most commonly fractured bone in the midface.…”

“…Furthermore, majority of the patients in this research were mostly unemployed youths. This view was also shared by some Nigerian authors[ 3 4 14 16 ] and other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. [ 2 7 ] Rising youth unemployment, rural/urban migration, and attendant economic hardship have spurred many youths into riding MCs for commercial purpose in Nigeria.…”

“…[ 2 7 ] Rising youth unemployment, rural/urban migration, and attendant economic hardship have spurred many youths into riding MCs for commercial purpose in Nigeria. [ 3 14 22 ] These MCs are often procured with ease through hired purchase or differed payment system.…”

“…In developing countries, maxillofacial injuries due to RTC continue to rise alarmingly and motorcycle (MC) crash victims form a high proportion of those killed or injured in road mishaps. [ 11 12 13 14 15 16 ] The high incidence of oral and maxillofacial injuries has been attributed to the heavy reliance on MC as a mode of transportation in the low- and middle-income countries. [ 2 7 11 14 15 17 ]…”

Pulmonary functions of patients with isolated mandibular fractures: a preliminary report

“…Road traffic crash was responsible for most of the mandibular fractures in this study. This is in agreement with the findings of Chrcanovic et al 12 and Oginni et al 13 but in contrast to etiological factors in developed nations, in which assaults and interpersonal violence are the leading causes of mandibular fractures 14 .…”