Maxillofacial fractures in a budding teaching hospital: a study of pattern of presentation and care

Abstract

IntroductionPrevious reports indicated that there is geographic and sociodemographic variation in the epidemiology of maxillofacial fractures. Audit of maxillofacial injuries managed at any institution is therefore necessary to understand the trends and proffer strategies for prevention. We therefore embarked on this study to determine the pattern of maxillofacial fractures and concomitant injuries in our institution.MethodsWe carried out a retrospective review of information on demography, aetiology and type of maxillofacial fracture, patients' status, type of crash, level of consciousness and concomitant injuries. The data collected was analysed with SPSS Version 20.ResultsA total of 233 patients aged 2 to 66 years were reviewed. A higher male preponderance (M:F 3.4:1) was observed. Road traffic crashes (RTC) accounted for 78.5% of injuries. Motorcycle related crashes were responsible for 69.4% of RTC and 54.5% of all fractures. Fracture of the mandible (63.2% n=172) was the most predominant skeletal injury and the body (25% n=43) was the most common site of fracture while the zygoma (29%) was predominantly affected in the midface. Ninety three patients (40%) suffered loss of consciousness. The relationship between aetiology of injuries and consciousness level of the patients was statistically significant (p=0.001). Of the 43 patients who had concomitant injuries, craniocerebral affectation (60.5%) was the commonest.ConclusionRTC remains the major aetiology of maxillofacial fractures. The mandible was mostly affected and nearly half of the patients have associated loss of consciousness. There is need for continual advocacy and enforcement of laws on preventive measures among road users.

Motorcycle Related Oral and Maxillofacial Injuries Seen at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi-Ghana

“…In this present study, motorcycles accounted for most (48.7%) of all road traffic injuries seen in the OMFS unit of the hospital. This finding was similar to a study in Nigeria where motorcycle injuries accounted for 69.0% of all trauma cases seen in a teaching hospital [4]. This could be due to the increase usage of motorcycle taxis in and around the Kumasi metropolis where the KATH hospital is situated.…”

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

“…[ 1 ] Low- and middle-income countries are said to be disproportionately affected, accounting for a significant proportion of the overall injury-related mortality. [ 1 2 3 4 ] Most of these deaths are attributable to road traffic crashes (RTC) involving the vulnerable road users. [ 5 6 7 8 ] Facial bone fracture constitutes a substantial proportion of trauma globally, and it often results in serious morbidity and sometimes fatal consequence.…”

“…[ 5 6 7 8 ] Facial bone fracture constitutes a substantial proportion of trauma globally, and it often results in serious morbidity and sometimes fatal consequence. [ 3 9 10 ] These injuries pose a huge economic burden due to treatment costs, rehabilitation, disabilities, and man-hour loss occasioned by hospital stay. [ 3 7 ]…”

“…[ 3 9 10 ] These injuries pose a huge economic burden due to treatment costs, rehabilitation, disabilities, and man-hour loss occasioned by hospital stay. [ 3 7 ]…”

Maxillofacial Fractures: From Diagnosis to Treatment

“…Mid-face fractures are common in different populations [1,2]. Facial fractures are detected in almost 5-10% of trauma patients [3].…”