Analysis of the pattern of maxillofacial fractures in Kaduna, Nigeria

Patterns of Maxillofacial Injures Caused by Motorcycle Accidents

Introduction  Motorcycles are used as a common means of transportation, and motorcycle accidents are responsible for a major portion of trauma injuries. Objectives  The purpose of this study was to analyze the patterns of facial injuries in motorcyclists, to evaluate the types of injuries, and to investigate if the accident-related factors had any impact on the characteristics of the injuries. Methods  This retrospective observational study included 74 patients with maxillofacial injuries following motorcycle-related accidents. Investigated data were divided into four main categories: sociodemographic, accident-related, injury-related, and treatment-related. Results  All the patients were males with a mean age (±SD) of 25.03 (±9.986) years. Most accidents ( n  = 44, 59.4%) occurred in the evening. Most of the patients ( n  = 40, 54%) were traveling on motorcycle models that had maximum speed of over 120 km/h. Furthermore, 15 patients (18.9%) were under the influence of alcohol during the crashes and only one patient was wearing a helmet. Fractures of the maxillofacial bones were observed in 50 (67.5%) crash victims; 24 of them (48%) had middle third fractures, 11 (22%) had mandibular fractures, and 15 patients (30%) presented with a combination of lower, middle, and upper third fractures. Conclusion  Almost all patients were not wearing helmets at the moment of the crash. The most common fractured site was the maxilla. The majority of the patients received surgical treatment. Increased enforcement of safety measures for riders and raising awareness about the dangers of motorcycle crashes are required measures to improve traffic safety and, ultimately, population health.

Mandibular Fracture Patterns in a Rural Setup: A 7-Year Retrospective Study

Aim

This study is designed to outline the probable patterns of mandibular fracture based on patient demographics and mechanism of injury in a rural setup.

Materials and Methods

The data from the record section in our unit belonging to patients who sustained fractures in the maxillofacial skeleton and were treated in our unit between the period June 2012-May 2019 were collected and analyzed. The variables analyzed for the study were etiology, gender, age, and type of fracture. All cases were treated by open reduction and rigid internal fixation.

Results

A total of 224 patients with maxillofacial fractures were diagnosed, of which 195 were male and 29 were female. The ages ranged from 7 to 70 years. Road traffic accidents are noted to be the most common cause of mandibular fractures. The maximum cases were in the age group of 21-30 years with 85 (38%) patients. In a total of 224 patients, there were 278 mandibular fractures. The maximum incidence of fractures was in the mandibular parasymphysis region with 90 fractures accounting for 32.3% of the mandibular fractures. Males were more susceptible to mandibular fractures. Majority of them sustained mandibular fracture at more than one anatomical area.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that mandibular fractures are seen predominantly in the second and third decades of life due to road traffic accidents with high-speed vehicles and lack of protective safety accessories. Mandible when it fractured, it usually involved more than one anatomical location.

Effect of Delay of Care for Patients with Craniomaxillofacial Trauma in Rwanda

Objectives

Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) trauma represents a significant proportion of global surgical disease burden, disproportionally affecting low- and middle-income countries where care is often delayed. We investigated risk factors for delays to care for patients with CMF trauma presenting to the highest-volume trauma hospital in Rwanda and the impact on complication rates.

Study Design

This prospective cohort study comprised all patients with CMF trauma presenting to the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Rwanda, between June 1 and October 1, 2020.

Setting

Urban referral center in resource-limited setting.

Methods

Epidemiologic data were collected, and logistic regression analysis was undertaken to explore risk factors for delays in care and complications.

Results

Fifty-four patients (94.4% men) met criteria for inclusion. The mean age was 30 years. A majority of patients presented from a rural setting (n = 34, 63%); the most common cause of trauma was motor vehicle accident (n = 18, 33%); and the most common injury was mandibular fracture (n = 28, 35%). An overall 78% of patients had delayed treatment of the fracture after arrival to the hospital, and 81% of these patients experienced a complication (n = 34, P = .03). Delay in treatment was associated with 4-times greater likelihood of complication (odds ratio, 4.25 [95% CI, 1.08-16.70]; P = .038).

Conclusion

Delay in treatment of CMF traumatic injuries correlates with higher rates of complications. Delays most commonly resulted from a lack of surgeon and/or operating room availability or were related to transfers from rural districts. Expansion of the CMF trauma surgical workforce, increased operative capacity, and coordinated transfer care efforts may improve trauma care.

A Study on 3D Deep Learning-Based Automatic Diagnosis of Nasal Fractures

This paper reported a study on the 3-dimensional deep-learning-based automatic diagnosis of nasal fractures. (1) Background: The nasal bone is the most protuberant feature of the face; therefore, it is highly vulnerable to facial trauma and its fractures are known as the most common facial fractures worldwide. In addition, its adhesion causes rapid deformation, so a clear diagnosis is needed early after fracture onset. (2) Methods: The collected computed tomography images were reconstructed to isotropic voxel data including the whole region of the nasal bone, which are represented in a fixed cubic volume. The configured 3-dimensional input data were then automatically classified by the deep learning of residual neural networks (3D-ResNet34 and ResNet50) with the spatial context information using a single network, whose performance was evaluated by 5-fold cross-validation. (3) Results: The classification of nasal fractures with simple 3D-ResNet34 and ResNet50 networks achieved areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 94.5% and 93.4% for binary classification, respectively, both indicating unprecedented high performance in the task. (4) Conclusions: In this paper, it is presented the possibility of automatic nasal bone fracture diagnosis using a 3-dimensional Resnet-based single classification network and it will improve the diagnostic environment with future research.

Epidemiology of Facial Bone Fractures During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Single Korean Level I Trauma Center Study

Purpose The medical community has been heavily impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The management of facial trauma patients has been affected by the patient capacity of emergency rooms. In this study, we share our experiences of facial trauma management during the social lockdown period and investigate the epidemiological changes in facial bone fractures. Methods A total of 997 patients who presented to Ajou University Hospital Emergency Center and were evaluated by plastic or maxillofacial surgeons for facial trauma were included in this retrospective study. Our study design was a comparative study of two groups: the 2019 group (control) and the 2020 group (the experimental group that experienced social lockdown). Results The total number of emergency room inpatients reflected the national pandemic trends with three peaks in patient numbers. According to these trends, facial bone fractures had two different low points in August 2020 and December 2020. A comparison of the 2019 and 2020 facial bone fractures did not show a statistically significant difference in the total number of patients. An analysis of the causes of trauma showed that domestic accidents increased in 2020 (30.92%; p<0.001). Among the anatomical sites of facial injury in surgical patients, the frontozygomatic complex fracture increased the most in 2020 (p=0.018). Facial injuries with two separate sites of injury or with three or more involved sites also showed a significant increase in 2020 (p<0.001). Conclusions We demonstrated that the incidence of facial trauma patients correlated with the incidence of patients presenting to the emergency department and that facial trauma is inextricably related to multi-trauma cases. Domestic accidents and facial trauma with multiple anatomically involved sites are increasing trends that need more attention.

Incidence and management of mandibular fractures in a low-resource health facility in Ghana

Objectives

The mandible and other parts of the maxillofacial region suffer significant morbid injuries following road traffic accidents. Our study gives epidemiological description of mandibular fractures in Ghana and also evaluates the relevance of closed reduction and indirect fixation for managing mandibular fractures in low-resource health facilities in low-income countries like Ghana.

Patients and Methods This is a retrospective study involving 268 patients who reported to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Sunyani Regional Hospital with mandibular fractures from January 2010 to December 2019. Patient medical records were assessed for information on age, sex, fracture etiology, anatomic location of fracture, time of day of road traffic accident, and other associated injuries.

Results

A total of 268 patients were included in this study (males, 216 [80.6%]; females, 52 [19.4%]). Motor vehicular accident (MVA) was the leading cause of mandibular fractures (202 injuries, 75.4%). Other etiologies included assault (39, 14.6%), gunshot (13, 4.9%), falls (12, 4.5%), and industrial accidents (2, 0.7%). Of the 161 male cases caused by MVA, 121 (75.2%) occurred at night and in the evening while the remaining 40 (24.8%) occurred in the morning and afternoon. Among all managed 222 patients, 212 (79.1%) were treated with closed reduction and indirect fixation technique while 10 (3.7%) were treated with open reduction and direct fixation.

Conclusion

Closed reduction with indirect fixation could successfully be used to manage mandibular fractures in low resourced health facilities, especially in low-income countries. The poor lightening system on roads in Ghana is a major contributory factor to motor vehicular accidents.

Facial fractures in post-revolution Tunisia as violence indicator: About 476 cases

INTRODUCTION

On January 2011, Tunisia had known a revolution. To move from dictatorship to democraty project, the country suddenly fell into political instability, which was accompanied by a wave of social violence. Traumatology, and, particularly, maxilla-facial traumatology, is usually a reliable indicator of the degree of violence.

AIM

The aim of this study was to establish the epidemiological profile of facial fractures during the various phases of political transition through which Tunisia has passed since revolution (2012-2016).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among all patients with facial fractures admitted to the department of Oral and Maxillo facial Surgery of University Hospital of Sahloul during five years (2012-2016). Fractures diagnosed late at the sequelae stage were excluded. Data of patients were recorded according to medical files, including cause of injury, age and gender, injury mechanisms and type of facial fracture.

RESULTS

During the period of the study, a total of 476 patients were identified, with a sex-ratio of 7.2 to 1, patients ranged in age from 1 year to 76-years-old with a mean age of 27 years. Assaults were the most common cause of injury (39.1%). Mandible was fractured in 257 cases (54.2%) followed by zygoma (116 cases, 24.4%), nasal bone (99 cases, 20.8%) and Orbital walls (98 cases, 20.6%).

DISCUSSION

The epidemiological profile of facial fractures in Tunisia has been changed since 2011. Facial fractures occur mainly after assaults, which are an indicator of increased social violence accompanying political instability present in our country.

The Epidemiology and Management of Maxillofacial Fractures at a Tertiary Care Hospital in a Conflict-Torn Region in Somalia

The etiology of maxillofacial fractures (MFFs) varies according to the geographical location and density of the population. This study aimed to analyze the etiology, pattern, and treatment of MFFs. Epidemiological characteristics and treatment modalities of MFFs have never been evaluated in Somalia. The study included 45 patients who were operated on for MFFs at a tertiary care hospital in Somalia (2018-2019). Patient demographics, fracture causes, types, associated non-facial injuries, treatment modalities, and hospitalization-time were evaluated. The most common etiological factors of the MFFs were explosion (24.4%) and assault (24.4%), followed by gunshot (22.2%), sports accident (15.6%), motor vehicle accident (11.1%), and fall from height (2.2%) patients, respectively. The main site of injury was the mandible bone (64.4%) followed by nasal bone, maxilla, zygomatic, and orbital region. The most common non-facial injuries of the MFFs were soft tissue laceration (37.8%) followed by femoral fracture (6.7%), clavicle fracture (4.4%), and femoral fracture with chest injuries (2.2%). The most applied treatment was open reduction microplate +/- intermaxillary fixation (77.8%). Due to the size of the mandible fractures, an iliac autograft (6.7%) was performed. The mean length of the hospital stay was 11.8 +/- 8.4 days (range, 1-45 days), and some patients (15.6%) needed intensive care due to severe injuries. This will be the first study aiming to analyze the etiology, pattern, and treatment of MFFs in Somalia. This study deals with the social aspects of Somalia, and it shows that MFFs develop as a result of highly interpersonal violence in a young man.

Maxillofacial trauma in the gulf countries: a systematic review

PURPOSE

The objective of this review was to determine the prevalence, major causative factors and the most common sites of Maxillofacial Trauma in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries.

METHODS

All articles that were published in the English language in the databases such as Google Scholar, EBSCO, PubMed, NCBI, Medline, COCHRANE, ELSEVIER and SCOPUS were reviewed for MFT from GCC during the last 23 years.

RESULTS

A total of 19,151 patients (16,567 males and 2584 females) (86-14%) with an age range between 0 and 97 years were included in the study. In all of the Gulf countries males outnumber females in terms of maxillofacial injuries with a ratio of 6.4:1. The mandible was the most common site of trauma followed by the maxilla. Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) was the most common cause of injury in the GCC followed by falls.

CONCLUSION

Maxillofacial injuries are highly prevalent, distributed among the Gulf countries, and is mainly caused by RTAs especially among males who are highly prone to MFT in the gulf. The reasons are due to lack of road safety culture and weak enactment of traffic legislation, other possible factors include intrinsic car safety features, high speed driving and the amount/use of highways in these societies.

Pattern of Ocular Involvement in Midface Injuries Seen at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Northern Nigeria

Aim:

The aim of the study was to report the etiology, pattern, and spectrum of ocular injuries in patients with maxillofacial injuries seen at a tertiary care hospital in northern Nigeria.

Patients and Methods:

This is a retrospective evaluation of the etiology, spectrum, and treatment of ocular injures seen in patients with midfacial fractures, who presented at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika-Zaria, Nigeria, a tertiary care hospital in northern Nigeria. Cases were seen at the oral and maxillofacial clinic for those presenting with midfacial fractures, whereas those presenting with ocular injuries due to midfacial injuries were referred from the ophthalmology department. Data were collected on their demographics, etiology of injuries, body part(s) involved, and treatment.

Results:

A total of 256 patients had midfacial injuries during the period, of which 219 patients had 357 associated ocular injuries. The age range was between 3 and 76 years. There were more males (83.8%) than females (16.2%), giving a male-to-female ratio of 5.2:1; the 21–30 years' age bracket was most frequently affected (38.4%). The predominant etiology of injuries was road traffic accidents (RTAs) (90.1%), followed by assault (4.9%). Zygomatic complex fractures (38.6%) and orbital wall fractures (24.7%) were the common midfacial injuries. There were 357 ocular injuries, giving a patient: injury ratio of 1:1.6, with subconjunctival hemorrhage (32.5%) and ruptured globe (20.0%) being common. Treatments performed were reduction and immobilization of midfacial fractures plus evisceration (32.0%), followed by reduction and immobilization of fractures alone (23.9%) and reduction and immobilization plus grafting of soft tissues (21.2%).

Conclusion:

Ocular injuries are quite common in patients with midfacial injuries, with a ratio of 1.6:1. RTA was the most common etiology, with zygomatic complex fractures as the most common midfacial injury. Subconjunctival hemorrhage was the most common ocular injury manifestation, with young adults (21–30 years of age) being most affected. Treatment often involved reduction and immobilization of midface fractures with evisceration and grafting of ocular tissues.

The use of interosseous dental wires and sutures for internal fixation in a patient with multiple comminuted middle facial fractures and facial nerve injury: A demonstrative case report

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We report on a case of multiple comminuted middle facial fractures.

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There was concurrent facial nerve injury.

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Fracture fixation was done with wires which is considered obsolete.

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Wire fixation was preferred to protect the facial nerve repair.

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The outcome was satisfactory.

Introduction

The use of plates and screws for facial fractures is considered the gold standard; providing accurate reduction and rigid fixation.

Case report

We report on a case with multiple comminuted middle facial fractures and concurrent facial nerve injury. The fractures were fixed with a combination of interosseous dental wires and polypropylene sutures with a satisfactory outcome.

Discussion

We aim to demonstrate two main advantages of wire/suture fixation in such cases when compared to plates and screws. Wire/suture fixation does not require periosteal dissection for fixation; and hence there is more preservation of the blood supply of the bony fragments. Furthermore, in the setting of concurrent facial nerve repair, the use of plates may risk re-injury of the repaired nerve during the late removal of the hardware. Interosseous wires/sutures do not require late removal and this is another advantage in these cases.

Conclusion

Interosseous dental wires and polypropylene sutures may be considered for fixation of multiple comminuted middle facial fractures and concurrent facial nerve injury.

Trends in mandibular fracture patterns in central Telangana - A retrospective overview and analysis

BACKGROUND/AIM

Socio-economic, environmental and cultural influences may lead to discrepancies in the distribution and occurrence of orofacial injuries. The aim of this study was to analyze the patient demographics and current patterns of mandibular fractures within a geographic population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The medical records of patients with facial trauma treated over a period of 3 years were retrieved and reviewed. Their data were analyzed based on the following parameters-age, gender, mechanism of trauma, seasonal variation, drug/alcohol abuse at the time of trauma, number, and anatomic location of fractures.

RESULTS

Of all the patients with maxillofacial injuries, 56% had mandibular fractures and 80% of these were sustained in road traffic accidents. Nearly 44% of patients had multiple mandibular fractures giving an average of about 1.6 fractures per mandible. Alcohol abuse was seen in 39% of patients. Seasonal influence indicated that the monsoon season had the highest incidence of trauma.

CONCLUSION

Fracture patterns vary according to the etiology of the fracture and direction of the impact force. This information can help in the diagnosis and as a guide to future funding of preventive public health programs.

Interrelation between facial soft tissue lessions, underlying fracture patterns and treatment of zygomatic bone trauma: a 10 year retrospective study

Background

The pattern of zygomatic bone fractures varies in the literature, their features being frequently masked by the presence of associated soft tissue lesions. In this context the clinical diagnosis and the therapeutic indications can be difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features of zygomatic bone fractures and their interrelation with concomitant overlying soft tissue injuries, as well as to assess the type of treatment methods applied depending on the fracture pattern and the results achieved depending on the incidence rate of postoperative complications. We will use these results in order to improve the diagnosis and the establishment of correct treatment of this pathology.

Methods

A 10-year retrospective evaluation of midface fractures was performed in patients diagnosed and treated in a tertiary Clinic of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Statistical analysis was performed with the MedCalc Statistical Software version 19.2 (MedCalc Software bvba, Ostend, Belgium; 53 https://www.medcalc.org; 2020). Nominal data were expressed as frequency and percentage. The comparisons of the frequencies of a nominal variable among the categories of another nominal variable were made using the chi-square test. Multivariate logistic regressions were used in order to establish the independent association between variables and lacerations/excoriations. After using the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, a value of p < 0.025 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The study included 242 patients with zygomatic bone fractures. The majority of the fractures were displaced n = 179 (73.9%), closed n = 179 (73.9%) and complete n = 219 (90.5%). Hematoma was the most frequent associated soft tissue lesion n = 102 (42.1%) regardless of the fracture pattern (p = 1.000). Complete zygomatic fracture (OR – 2.68; p = 0.035) and fractures with displacement (OR – 3.66; p = 0.012) were independently associated with the presence of laceration. Fractures with displacement (OR – 7.1; p = 0.003) were independently associated with the presence of excoriation. The most frequent type of treatment applied was Gillies reduction (61.9%), followed by ORIF (30.9%). The most frequent postoperative complication was malunion secondary to Gillies treatment (4,6%).

Conclusions

Patients presenting lacerations and excoriations on clinical soft tissue examination will most frequently have an underlying complete, displaced or comminuted zygomatic fracture. In the case of displaced, open or comminuted fractures we achieved the best results secondary to ORIF treatment method, while in the case of non-displaced and closed fractures, the best results achieved were secondary to conservative treatment.

Aetiology, prevalence, fracture site and management of maxillofacial trauma

INTRODUCTION

Maxillofacial fractures are often associated with severe morbidity, functional deficit, disfigurement and significant financial implications. The aim of this review was to investigate whether the aetiology, prevalence and management modalities of facial trauma can identify the common causes of facial trauma with a view to recommending measures to the appropriate governing bodies to change the current practice wherever possible.

METHODS

The records of 1,112 patients referred to our oral and maxillofacial unit in Andhra Pradesh, India, between February 2008 and October 2017 were analysed retrospectively. Data including age, sex, aetiology, fracture site and treatment were evaluated.

RESULTS

Men aged 20-40 years were the most common victims of facial trauma. Road traffic accidents (RTAs) were responsible in 70% of cases. Mandibular fractures constituted 47% of the overall fractures, and 55% of the total fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation.

CONCLUSIONS

The main cause of maxillofacial injury among patients reporting to our hospital was RTAs. Mandibular fractures were the most common, accounting for almost half of the cases. Over half (55%) of all maxillofacial fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Reasons for this high frequency may include the large number of poorly maintained, overloaded vehicles on unsuitable roads, violation of traffic regulations (particularly by inexperienced young drivers), abuse of alcohol or other intoxicating agents and the sociocultural behaviours of some drivers.

Clinical Signs and Intraocular Pressure Changes in Patients with Orbitozygomatic Complex Fractures

Objectives

The study investigated the association between intraocular pressure changes and clinical ocular signs in 51 patients with orbitozygomatic complex fractures. Diplopia, chemosis, enophthalmos, subconjunctival haemorrhage, periorbital ecchymosis and extraocular muscles entrapment were assessed.

Study Design

Intraocular pressure was measured in mmHg at different time intervals with Perkins and Goldman tonometers; within first 3 days of injury (T1), 24 h post-elevation within 3-14 days of injury (T2), 1 month after initial treatment assessment (T3), 2 months after initial treatment assessment (T4), and 3 months after initial treatment assessment (T5). Intraocular pressure changes between T2/T1 and T3/T1 were analysed as change 1 and change 2, respectively, with paired t test. Significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

Minimum intraocular pressure recorded in the affected eye was 5 mmHg at T1 and T2, while maximum intraocular pressure was 28 mmHg at T1. Mean intraocular pressure at T1 and T2 was 15.90 ± 4.73 mmHg and 16.80 ± 4.43 mmHg, respectively. All eye signs had completely resolved at T3 except enophthalmos, which persisted till T5. Statistical significant relationship exist between orbitozygomatic complex fracture and enophthalmos (T1: p = 0.04). subconjunctival haemorrhage (T2: p = 0.003), periorbital ecchymosis (T2: p = 0.005),and T3: p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Chemosis, diplopia, enophthalmos, periorbital ecchymosis and subconjunctival haemorrhage showed positive contributory effect to intraocular pressure elevation in orbitozygomatic complex fracture.

Clinical Analysis and CT 3D-Mediated Precise Internal Fixation in Maxillofacial Fracture

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

To retrospectively analyze the epidemiological features, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of 610 patients with maxillofacial fractures, while providing a reference for the prevention and optimized treatment of maxillofacial fractures.

METHODS

Data of patients with maxillofacial fractures who were treated and followed up at the Second People's Hospital of Kashi Prefecture from June 2012 to April 2018 were summarized. The epidemiological features, clinical manifestations, fracture sites, treatment methods, and results were analyzed.

RESULTS

The highest incidence was in the age range of 20 to 49 years. The main cause of fracture was traffic injury. Mandibular fractures accounted for 37.77%, zygoma and zygomatic arch fractures for 37.00%, and maxillary fractures for 21.19%. Atypical zygomatic arch fractures were more common in the maxilla, followed by Le Fort I and II fractures. Closed fractures accounted for 85.97%. Many (73.39%) patients were treated with computed tomography 3-dimensional (3D)-mediated precision modified incision internal fixation with satisfactory results.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a high incidence of maxillofacial fractures among young men, especially in summer, with the most common injuries being traffic-related injuries. The most common site is the mandible, followed by the zygomatic arch, zygomatic complex, and maxilla. Computed tomography 3D-mediated precision modified incision internal fixation can achieve satisfactory results.

Update on the management of craniomaxillofacial trauma in low-resource settings

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) trauma is a common cause of global morbidity and mortality. Although in high resource settings the management of CMF trauma has improved substantially over the past several decades with internal rigid fixation technology; these advancements have remained economically unviable and have not yet reached low and middle-income countries (LMICs) en masse. The purpose of this review is to discuss the current management of CMF injuries in low-resource settings.

RECENT FINDINGS

Trauma injuries remain a global epidemic with head and neck injuries among the most common. CMF trauma injuries largely occur in LMICs, with motor vehicle trauma being a common cause. Patients present in a delayed fashion which increases complications. Diagnostic methods are often limited to plain radiographs as computed tomography is not always available. In low-resource settings, CMF trauma continues to be treated primarily by closed reduction, maxillomandibular fixation, and transosseous wiring, yielding acceptable results through affordable methods. With the advent of less expensive plating systems, internal fixation with plates and screws are gradually finding their place in the management of facial trauma in low-resource settings. A shortage of CMF surgeons in LMICs is a recognized problem and is being addressed by targeted curricula.

SUMMARY

CMF trauma is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally that remains poorly addressed. Currently, conventional methods of treating CMF trauma in low-resource settings have evolved to meet resource constraints. The education of CMF surgeons remains a key leverage point in improving CMF trauma care globally.

Maxillofacial Fracture Patterns in Military Casualties

PURPOSE

Morbidity and death after facial trauma are substantial issues of concern both in civilians and in military personnel. This cross-sectional retrospective study sought to assess the prevalence, pattern, treatment, and complications of soft and hard tissue injuries of the face in military personnel from 2012 to 2018.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional, retrospective, chart study analyzed the descriptive statistics of 591 patients by use of Microsoft Excel software (version 2013; Microsoft, Redmond, WA); we assessed military casualties treated at our hospital from 2012 to 2018. All military personnel were documented in our trauma registry. The patient records were studied, and information relating to patients' injuries was documented and assessed after compilation of patient data. This study was approved by our local institutional review board; the causes and complications of maxillofacial (MF) trauma were assessed. Statistical analysis was done. This study used descriptive statistics based on a total of 591 patients and Microsoft Excel software (version 2013).

RESULTS

Among maxillofacial (MF) fractures, midface fractures (49%) were most prevalent, followed by lower face fractures (43%) and upper face fractures (24%). The most common cause of injury was explosives (58%). The most frequent site of fracture in the mandible was the angle region, followed by the mandibular body and condyle. Nasal fractures were seen in 44% of midface fractures. The most commonly used technique for treatment was open reduction-internal fixation, which was used in 89% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The pattern of MF injuries and the treatment modalities used to treat these patients showed that the most frequent type of injury was midface fracture and most patients were treated by open reduction-internal fixation.

Use of Transgingival Lag Screw Osteosynthesis in the Management of Alveolar Process Fracture

The purpose of this study is to check the efficacy of transgingival lag screw osteosynthesis in alveolar process fractures of maxilla and mandible. A single-arm nonrandomized observational study was performed for the treatment of alveolar process fractures of maxilla and mandible. In this study, 20 mixed age group patients with alveolar process fracture were included. All the patients were treated by a 2.0-mm transgingival screw fixation under local or general anesthesia. All the patients were evaluated for fracture stability, anatomical reduction, bone loss and bone resorption of alveolar process, tooth loss, and wound infection at 3 months of follow-up. A simple descriptive statistical analysis was done to evaluate the parameters and it was shown that the treatment of alveolar process fracture with two or three lag screws provides adequate fracture stability and anatomical reduction with no signs of bone loss and tooth loss, and wound infections were noted post lag screw fixation. The study concludes that transgingival lag screw fixation is a suitable alternative for alveolar process fractures in all the age groups and two to three lag screws are generally sufficient to fix fractured alveolar process either under local anesthesia or general anesthesia.

Patterns of maxillofacial fractures in Hofuf, Saudi Arabia: A 10-year retrospective case series

Objectives

This retrospective study was performed to analyze the incidence, etiology, and types of maxillofacial fractures in a major city in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.

Materials and methods

The medical records of all patients treated in the operating rooms for maxillofacial fractures by the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department at King Fahad Hospital, Hofuf, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2016, were reviewed. A total of 270 patients with complete records were included. The data extracted included the age, gender, nationality, causes of injury, and patterns of maxillofacial fractures involved.

Results

Among the 270 patients, 241 (89.3%) were males, and 29 (10.7%) were females. The young adult (19-44 years) age group was the most affected (65.6%). Road traffic accidents (63.3%) were found to be the most frequent causes of maxillofacial fractures; falls were the second most common (15.9%). The rate of mandibular (54.6%) fractures was higher than that of mid-facial (45.4%) fractures. Among the mandibular fractures, the most common type was the parasymphyseal fracture (24.6%). Zygomatic fractures were the most common (48.6%) of midface fractures.

Conclusions

Similar to reports of other studies in different regions of Saudi Arabia, Al-Ahsa showed that road traffic accidents were the most predominant etiology of maxillofacial fractures affecting most frequently males of young adult age group. These findings emphasize the need for better education of road safety and enforcement of traffic laws, especially for the most affected age group.

Occupational group, educational level, marital status and deleterious habits among individuals with maxillofacial fractures: retrospective study

Background

To investigate the occupational profile, educational level, marital status and deleterious habits to the health of patients with maxillofacial fractures of a population of northeastern Brazil.

Material and Methods

A retrospective study of patients records admitted to the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Walter Cantídio University Hospital (Fortaleza, Brazil) who sustained maxillofacial fractures was conducted in the period between 2006 and 2015.

Results

A total of 338 patients rendered 355 fractures. Males were the most affected (p<0.001), with prevalence in the third decade of life (p<0.001). There was a predominance of motorcycle accidents (p<0.001), home workers (p<0.001), low educational status (p = 0.032), and no cigarette use (p<0.001) or alcohol (p = 0.023). Fractures of the zygomatic-orbital complex were the most prevalent in the sample (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The sociodemographic profile exerted a significant influence on the epidemiological profile of maxillofacial fractures in a Brazilian population during the study period.

Key words:Epidemiological studies, trauma, facial bones.

Prevalence of mandibular fracture in patients visiting a tertiary dental care hospital in North India

Background:

Injuries of the maxillofacial complex represent one of the most important health problems worldwide. At present, in developing India, due to poor traffic sense, maxillofacial trauma and fractures are most epidemiologic diseases. Mandible is the largest and strongest facial bone and it is the second most commonly fractured bone. Mandibular fractures can involve only one site or can often involve multiple anatomic sites simultaneously.

Aims:

The present study is aimed to know the age- and sex-related prevalence of parasymphyseal fracture, fracture of angle, condylar fracture, symphyseal fracture, and coronoid fracture of mandible in North Indian population. It also evaluates the correlation of prevalence of parasymphyseal fracture, angle of mandible, condylar fracture of mandible, symphyseal fracture of mandible, and coronoid fracture of mandible.

Materials and Methods:

All patients fulfilling the selection criteria and having mandible fracture were selected for the study. The data about mandibular fracture was collected by means of a structured questionnaire including age, sex, and anatomic site of fracture. Qualitative variables were compared using Chi-square test/Fisher's exact test as appropriate.

Results:

The study population consists of 1015 individuals aged between 7 and 68 years with the mean age of 33.49 ± 11.79 years. The most common anatomic site for mandibular fracture was parasymphyseal region (40.3%) followed by angle (28.8%), condyle (27.6%), and symphysis (12.5%) of mandible. The coronoid process of mandible (44, 4.3%) was least involved in mandibular fracture. Males (30.8%) are more predilected for condylar fracture than females (15.7%). The mandibular symphyseal fracture is more common in male (14.9%) than female (3.7%).

Conclusion:

Mandibular fractures occur in people of all ages and races, in a wide range of social settings. Their causes often reflect shifts in trauma patterns over time. The present assessments of mandibular fracture will be valuable to government agencies and health-care professionals involved in planning future programs of prevention and treatment.

Maxillofacial prostheses challenges in resource constrained regions

BACKGROUND

This study reviewed the current state of maxillofacial rehabilitation in resource-limited nations.

METHOD

A rigorous literature review was undertaken using several technical and clinical databases using a variety of key words pertinent to maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation and resource-limited areas. In addition, interviews were conducted with researchers, clinicians and prosthetists that had direct experience of volunteering or working in resource-limited countries.

RESULTS

Results from the review and interviews suggest rehabilitating patients in resource-limited countries remains challenging and efforts to improve the situation requires a multifactorial approach.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, public health awareness programmes to reduce the causation of injuries and bespoke maxillofacial prosthetics training programmes to suit these countries, as opposed to attempting to replicate Western training programmes. It is also possible that usage of locally sourced and cheaper materials and the use of low-cost technologies could greatly improve maxillofacial rehabilitation efforts in these localities. Implications for Rehabilitation More information and support needs to be provided to maxillofacial defect/injuries patients and to their families or guardians in a culturally sensitive manner by governments. The health needs, economic and psychological needs of the patients need to be taken into account during the rehabilitation process by clinicians and healthcare organizations. The possibility of developing training programs to suit these resource limited countries and not necessarily follow conventional fabrication methods must be looked into further by educational entities.

Maxillofacial fracture epidemiology and treatment plans in the Northeast of Iran: A retrospective study

Background

The epidemiology of facial injuries varies based on lifestyle, cultural background and socioeconomic status in different countries and geographic zones. This study evaluated the epidemiology of maxillofacial fractures and treatment plans in hospitalized patients in Northeast of Iran (2015-2016).

Material and Methods

In this retrospective study, the medical records of 502 hospitalized patients were evaluated in the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery in Kamyab Hospital in Mashhad, Iran. The type and cause of fractures and treatment plans were recorded in a checklist. Data were analyzed with Mann–Whitney test, chi-squared test and Fisher’s exact test, using SPSS 21.

Results

The majority of patients were male (80.3%). Most subjects were in 20-30-year age range (43.2%). The fractures were mostly caused by accidents, particularly motorcycle accidents (MCAs), and the most common site of involvement was the body of the mandible. There was a significant association between the type of treatment and age. In fact, the age range of 16-59 years underwent open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) more than other age ranges (P=0.001). Also, there was a significant association between gender and fractures (P=0.002).

Conclusions

It was concluded that patient age and gender and trauma significantly affected the prevalence of maxillofacial traumas, fracture types and treatment plans. This information would be useful for making better health policy strategies.

Key words:Epidemiology, treatment, facial injuries, maxillofacial fractures, trauma.

Two years retrospective study of maxillofacial trauma at a tertiary center in North West Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Maxillofacial injury poses a challenge to oral and maxillofacial surgeons working in developing countries with limited resource and human power. The present study aimed to determine the etiology, pattern, and management of maxillofacial trauma in Gondar university of Gondar hospital.

METHODS

A retrospective descriptive study design was used. Medical registration retrieving of patients with maxillofacial trauma visited dental center of University of Gondar Hospital from September 2013 to August 2015 was done. During data collection, etiology of trauma, pattern of fracture, treatment modality and complications were recorded using predesigned data collection template and analyzed using SPSS computer software version 20. Statistical analysis was done to show the sex distribution of maxillofacial trauma and the effect of alcohol intake on the incidence of trauma.

RESULTS

During 2-year period, September 2013-August 2015, 326 patients of maxillofacial trauma were treated in the dental center of university of Gondar hospital. The mean age was 29.12 (± 8.62) with age range of 11-75 years. Majority of the study participants (47.2%) were within the age group of 21-30 years. Eighty percent of the participants were male with a male to female ratio of 4.02:1. Interpersonal violence (75.8%) and Road traffic accident (21.5%) were the leading causes. Males are at high risk of maxillofacial trauma relative to females (P < 0.0001). There was high incidence of trauma in the weekend, rural residents, December to February, mandibular fractures and soft tissue injuries were the most common injuries. There was an associated injury in 79 (24.2%) patients in head and neck area, thoracic, abdominal and extremities. Half of the patients were managed conservatively (49.7%) with debridement and suture, while 45.7% of the patients were closed reduction and 4.6% were surgical open reduction. There were 25 post procedure complications especially in mandibular fractures.

CONCLUSION

Interpersonal violence was the major cause of maxillofacial trauma, while mandible and soft tissue were the most affected maxillofacial areas. The federal ministry of health, Ethiopia should have well-organized maxillofacial center in tertiary hospitals for emergency management to avoid morbidity and mortality.

Orofacial trauma in rural India: A clinical study

PURPOSE

Orofacial trauma is becoming a leading medical problem worldwide. Most of the studies pertaining to orofacial trauma have been done in urban areas but very little scientific literature is available for rural areas.

METHODS

A prospective medical institute-based study of orofacial injury patients was carried out from May 2013 to April 2016 (36 Months). Data regarding incidence, age and sex distribution, causes, types and site of injury, treatment modalities and trauma associated complications were collected and analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 784 patients were studied. Males outnumbered females by a ratio of 2.9:1. Age range was 9 months-75 years with the peak incidence in the age-group of 18-34 years. Most injuries were caused by road-side accidents (72.7%), followed by assault and falls in 11.6% and 8% respectively. Soft tissue injuries and mandibular fractures were the most common type of injuries. Head/neck (50.29%) and limb injuries (27.2%) were the most prevalent associated injuries. Surgical debridement and soft tissue suturing was the most common emergency procedure. Closed reduction was performed in 61% of patients and open reduction and internal fixation in 30% of cases and 9% were managed conservatively. Complications occurred in 6.88% of patients, mainly due to infection and malocclusion. The mean duration of hospital stay was (10.12 ± 6.24) days.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the importance of department of dental surgery along with other disciplinaries in the management of orofacial injuries. Road-side accident remains the major etiological factor of orofacial injuries in our setting.

A comparative study of intermaxillary fixation screws and noncompression miniplates in the treatment of mandibular fractures: a prospective clinical study

BACKGROUND

The main goal of treatment of mandibular fractures is to restore normal dental occlusion and promote appropriate bone healing and a normal mouth opening. Recently, there has been a resurgent interest in the use of screws for intermaxillary fixation of mandibular fractures. This study was therefore designed to determine how the clinical outcomes of the use of screws for intermaxillary fixation compare with the use of miniplates in the treatment of mandibular fractures in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study are as follows: 1. To compare the clinical outcomes of the use of 2.0 mm × 9.0 mm screws for intermaxillary fixation with 2.0 mm noncompression miniplates in the treatment of simple unilateral mandibular fractures in Lagos, Nigeria 2. To determine the clinical outcomes in the use of 2.0 mm × 9.0 mm screws for intermaxillary fixation (IMF) and 2.0 mm noncompression miniplates in the treatment of simple unilateral mandibular fractures 3. To compare the complications associated with the use of 2.0 mm × 9.0 mm screws for IMF and 2.0 mm noncompression miniplates in the treatment of mandibular fractures METHODOLOGY: This randomized controlled clinical study was carried out at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the study institution. Subjects with simple unilateral mandibular fractures who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into the study (intermaxillary fixation screw) and control (miniplate) groups through balloting. Factors assessed and compared during and after the procedures included intraoperative pain, postoperative nerve impairment, postoperative occlusion, limitation of mouth opening, incidence of hardware failure, incidence of infection and non-union. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.

RESULTS

A total of 56 subjects participated in the study, with 28 subjects in each group. Majority (91%) of the subjects were male. Road traffic crash was the highest aetiological factor while sport was the least (3.6%). A higher proportion (25.0%) of subjects in the miniplate group had major complications compared with 14.3% in the IMF screw group. There was no statistically significant association between site of mandibular fracture, time elapsed before treatment and complications (p < 0.05). All cases of mandibular fractures healed successfully at 6 weeks.

CONCLUSION

The use of screws for IMF is as effective as 2.0 mm noncompression miniplates in the treatment of simple unilateral mandibular fractures.

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

INTRODUCTION

Previous 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.

METHODS

We 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.

RESULTS

A 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.

CONCLUSION

RTC 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.

Cost analysis of facial injury treatment in two university hospitals in Malaysia: a prospective study

Objective

Facial injury (FI) may occur in isolation or in association with injuries to other parts of the body (facial and other injury [FOI]). The objective of this study was to determine the direct treatment costs incurred during the management of facial trauma.

Materials and methods

A prospective cohort study on treatment cost for FIs and FOIs due to road-traffic crashes in two university hospitals in Malaysia was conducted from July 2010 to June 2011. The patients were recruited from emergency departments and reviewed after 6 months from the date of initial treatment. Direct cost analysis, comparison of cost and length of hospital stay, and Injury Severity Score (ISS) were performed.

Results

A total of 190 patients were enrolled in the study, of whom 83 (43.7%) had FI only, and 107 (56.3%) had FOI. The mean ISS was 5.4. The mean length of stay and costs for patients with FI only were 5.8 days with a total cost of US$1,261.96, whereas patients with FOI were admitted for 7.8 days with a total cost of US$1,716.47. Costs doubled if the treatment was performed under general anesthesia compared to local anesthesia.

Conclusion

Treatment of FI and FOI imposes a financial burden on the health care system in Malaysia.

Retrospective Clinical Study of Maxillary Sagittal Fractures: Predictors of Postoperative Outcome

PURPOSE

Because of less attention to the sagittal component of maxillary fractures, these fractures are often misdiagnosed or the reduction is missed leading to maxillary transverse discrepancies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with good or adverse postoperative outcomes of maxillary sagittal fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was a single-center retrospective cohort study. The sample was composed of cases of maxillary sagittal fractures treated at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Craniomaxillofacial Trauma Unit of Xi'an Jiaotong University (Xi'an, China) from January 2008 through December 2013. The predictor variables were age, gender, occupation, cause of injury, injury severity, treatment timing, treatment method, and quality of fracture reduction. The outcome variable was the postoperative treatment effect index. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate statistics were computed. The P value was set to .05.

RESULTS

The sample was composed of 40 cases. The male-to-female ratio was 4:1; the most vulnerable age group was 20 to 30 years (30%); laborers (72.5%) were more prone to injury; and the main cause of injury was motor vehicle accident (62.5%). No cases of isolated sagittal fracture were found and most (35%) occurred with other maxillary fractures, including Le Fort fractures. A statistically significant association between treatment timing and quality of fracture reduction and the postoperative treatment effect index (P < .05) was found.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that better results are achieved when fractured bone is treated sooner. Anatomic repositioning of the fractured bone is the important predictor for good postoperative outcomes.

An Overview of Maxillofacial Trauma in Oral and Maxillofacial Tertiary Trauma Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

The aims of this study were to provide an overview of maxillofacial trauma and its relationship to patient's demographic data and alcohol consumption within the state of Sabah. It was a retrospective study of maxillofacial trauma cases treated by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, from January 1, 2009, until December 31, 2013. A total of 630 maxillofacial trauma cases were included. Details of the trauma were collected from patients' record, including patients' cause of injuries, injuries suffered, treatment indications, and treatment received. Patients' demographic data (age, gender), alcohol consumption in relation to causes, and type of maxillofacial injury were analyzed. There were 538 male (85.4%) and 92 female (14.6%) patients (ratio: 5.8:1), with mean age of 31.0 years. Most common causes of maxillofacial injury were motor vehicle accident (MVA; 66.3%), followed by fall (12.4%) and assault (11.6%). Motorcyclists made up more than half of the total cases (53.1%). Cases referred were primarily due to soft-tissue injury (458 cases). Other cases were dentoalveolar and maxillofacial bone fractures. Treatment provided for the fractures included open reduction and internal fixation (22.9%), closed reduction (28.7%), and conservative management (48.4%). Toilet and suturing were done for all patients with soft-tissue injury. Maxillofacial trauma is a major problem in Sabah. It affects mostly males in the age group of 21 to 30 years. Most of the MVA patients were motorcyclists. Mandibular fracture with parasymphysis involvement recorded the highest number. Most of the patients preferred conservative management, probably due to financial and logistic issue.

Maxillofacial Injuries in Women: A Retrospective Study of 10 Years

INTRODUCTION

Diversities exists in incidence, etiology and epidemiology of facial fractures among male and female individuals due to various reasons. Many of the epidemiological studies published during the millennium have shown male predilection. This study was carried to evaluate the etiology, patterns and distribution of facial fractures among different age groups in women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This Retrospective epidemiological study dealt with a total of 302 women with 422 fractures in maxillofacial region during a period of June 1st 2005 to May 31st 2015 at Mamata Dental College and Hospital, Khammam, Telangana, India.

RESULTS

Mean age of incidence was 31.58 years, mandibular fractures were highest (44.07 %) followed by zygomaticomaxillary complex injuries (ZMC) (20.37 %). Road traffic accidents (RTA) injuries (53.7 %) were highest, followed by assault (23.9 %) and other causes. Highest number (33.8 %) of fractures were sustained in the 3rd decade and least (0.7 %) in the 8th decade of life. Among soft tissue injuries most commonly seen were lacerations (51 %).

CONCLUSION

Results of this study suggest that there is an increase in the number of maxillofacial injuries in women, representing changes in the society, exposing women to similar conditions like men and increased number of working women. This study helps to identify trauma burden, assess the awareness of current preventive measures, women protection laws, for instituting new guidelines for prevention and planning health care services for women.

Trends of maxillofacial fractures in the Garhwal Himalayas at Government Medical College, Srinagar, Uttarakhand

CONTEXT

Evaluation of Maxillofacial fractures in hilly region of Garhwal Himalyas and its relation with age, gender, anatomical location, seasonal variation and treatment provided.

AIMS

The aim of the present study is to analyze the pattern of maxillofacial fractures in the Garhwal Himalayan region of India and to compare the results with similar studies in India and the rest of the world.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

This was a prospective study conducted on 102 patients with 128 facial fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was conducted on 102 patients who were admitted for the treatment of maxillofacial fractures in the Department of Dentistry at Government Medical College, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, India.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

All analyses were performed using Chi-square test and level of significance.

RESULTS

Peak incidence was noted in the second to fourth decades of life. Male: female ratio was 4:1. Road traffic accident was the main etiology (42.2%), followed by fall (37.2%) and assault (11.8%). Among other etiology of injury, distinguishing feature was bear bite, which was only seen in winters causing 5.9% of total injury. Fall was reported high in females whereas road traffic accident in males. Mandible was fractured in 73.5% of patients while mid-face in 26.5% of patients. Open reduction with internal fixation was the choice of treatment in 60.8% of cases. Nearly 79.4% of patients were treated under local anesthesia. The mean duration of hospitalization was (standard deviation 5.2 days) 5.3 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Road traffic accidents still remain the main cause of maxillofacial fractures in developing countries such as India. In hilly area, road traffic accident can be minimized by better wide roads with guide walls/parapet, strict law enforcement for overspeed, overload, and to use seat belts while driving, and use of helmet while riding two-wheeler. Open reduction internal fixation remains the first choice of treatment in facial fractures due to early return of function with minimal morbidity and better nutritional status in patients compared to closed reduction.

Faciomaxillary fractures in a Semi-urban South Indian Teaching Hospital: A retrospective analysis of 638 cases

Background and Objective:

The incidence of maxillofacial trauma is increasing at a very fast pace in developing countries like India and poses a major health burden. Hence, the epidemiological data of maxillofacial trauma during a 6 year period, was analyzed to study the characteristics, factors predisposing, and aid in advocating strict guidelines to prevent the same.

Materials and Methods:

Data related to 638 cases with maxillofacial trauma, from January 2008 to December 2014 were reviewed retrospectively and the data regarding gender, age, etiology, anatomic location of fracture, alcohol consumption, associated head and other injuries, modality of treatment rendered and associated complications were analyzed with descriptive statistics.

Results:

A total of 638 patients presenting with 869 maxillofacial fractures were analyzed. Most of them [344 (53.9%)] were young adults aged 18-40, whereas, 123 (19.2%) were 11 to 17 years, and 97(15.2%) adults. Men (79.4%) were more affected than women. Road traffic accidents remain the main etiology causing fractures in 470 (73.6%), whereas 397 (62.2%) had history of consumption of alcohol. Those with alcohol intoxication had multiple injuries. Mandible was more frequently involved with 360 (41.4%) fractures, and condyle being the most common site. A total of 374 (58.6%) underwent open reduction with internal fixation under general anesthesia. Prevalence of other injuries was noted in 207 (32.4%) and complications of fracture treatment in 41(6.4%) cases.

Conclusion:

Road traffic accidents under alcohol influence were most commonly associated with comminuted facial fractures with head injuries, frequently leading to death. Mandible was the most commonly fractured facial bone followed by zygoma.

Retrospective study maxillofacial fractures epidemiology and treatment plans in Southeast of Iran

Background

The epidemiology of facial injuries varies in different countries and geographic zones. Population concentration, lifestyle, cultural background, and socioeconomic status can affect the prevalence of maxillofacial injuries. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the maxillofacial fractures epidemiology and treatment plans in hospitalized patients (2012-2014) which would be useful for better policy making strategies.

Material and Methods

In this retrospective study, the medical records of 386 hospitalized patients were evaluated from the department of maxillofacial surgery at Bahonar Hospital of Kerman, Iran. The type and cause of fractures and treatment plans were recorded in a checklist. For data analysis, ANOVA, t-test, Chi-square, and Fisher’s exact test were performed, using SPSS version 21.

Results

The majority of patients were male (76.5%). Most subjects were within the age range of 20-30 years. Fractures were mostly caused by accidents, particularly motorcycle accidents (MCAs), and the most common site of involvement was the mandible (parasymphysis). There was a significant association between the type of treatment and age. In fact, the age group of 16-59 years under went open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) more than other age groups (P=0.02). Also, a significant association was observed between gender and the occurrence of fractures (P=0.01).

Conclusions

Considering the geographic and cultural indices of the evaluated population, it can be concluded that patients age and gender and trauma causes significantly affect the prevalence of maxillofacial traumas and fracture kinds and treatment plans.

Key words:Epidemiology, treatment, facial injuries, face fractures, maxillofacial trauma, trauma.

Changing pattern in the characteristics of maxillofacial fractures

PURPOSE

This study was designed to assess the changes in the etiology, incidence, and pattern of maxillofacial fractures during 2 different study periods in our department.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, patients treated for maxillofacial fractures at our department from January 2000 to December 2009 were included. Data regarding patient's age, sex, etiology of fracture, time of injury, site of fracture, and pattern of fracture were collected and grouped chronologically into two 5-year periods: 2000 to 2004 (period 1) and 2005 to 2009 (period 2); the results of the study during these periods were analyzed and compared.

RESULTS

A total of 1131 patients sustained maxillofacial fractures: 422 in the first period and 709 in the second period. During the second period, the male-female ratio increased from 3.35:1 to 3.63:1. Road traffic accidents remained the major etiologic factor, which increased remarkably from 49.3% to 54.6% (P = 0.085), whereas assault-related injuries decreased significantly from 16.8% to 12.4% (P = 0.039). The proportion of patients with mandibular fractures decreased from 59.6% to 55.3% (P = 0.037), whereas the proportion of patients with midfacial fractures increased from 40.4% to 44.7% (P = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

The changing pattern of maxillofacial fractures in our center is correlated to the socioeconomic status, population mobility, and etiologic factors. Strict enforcement of traffic laws and regulations is still a focal factor in attaining appreciable reduction in maxillofacial fractures associated with road traffic accidents.

Maxillofacial Fractures in Women and Men: A 10-Year Retrospective Study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the demographic characteristics of maxillofacial fractures between women and men in China.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The sample was composed of all patients who sustained maxillofacial fractures during a 10-year period (2000 through 2009). Incidences, age distributions, etiologies, fracture patterns, associated injuries, and occupation distributions were recorded and analyzed. Data analysis included the χ(2) test, the Fisher exact test, and the t test. A P value less than .05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

There were 1,131 patients (881 male and 250 female) who sustained maxillofacial fractures, with a male-to-female ratio of 3.5:1. Male patients sustained injuries most frequently during the autumn (P = .048), whereas female patients sustained more maxillofacial injuries during the summer (P = .006). Men sustained motorcycle (P = .023) and assault-related accidents (P = .036) more frequently than women, whereas women were more frequently injured in bicycle-related accidents (P < .001) or falling while at ground level (P = .001) than men. Women presented more frequently with condylar fracture than men (P = .028), whereas men were more prone to symphysis fractures than women (P = .037). For drivers, only men were involved (P = .001). Male workers sustained maxillofacial fractures more frequently than female workers (P < .001). Female children, students, and company staff were more prone to maxillofacial fractures than their male counterparts (P = .010, P = .004, and P = .044 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The demographic characteristics of maxillofacial fractures in female patients considerably differ from those in male patients.

A 2-year retrospective analysis of facial injuries in patients treated at department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, IGGDC, Jammu, India

Introduction:

The incidence of maxillofacial injuries is on the rise due to motor vehicle accidents and increased incidence of violence in recent times. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the incidence, etiology, and the pattern of fractures in the maxillofacial region.

Materials and Methods:

After obtaining permission from the concerned authorities, a predesigned questionnaire was used to collect the necessary data from the department. A retrospective analysis of 787 patients, who suffered trauma and were managed in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Indira Gandhi Government Dental College (IGGDC), Jammu over a period of 2 years was carried out.

Results:

Road traffic accident (RTA) was the common cause of maxillofacial injuries. Men sustained more injuries as compared to women. Injuries were most commonly sustained in the age group of 11-40 years, constituting about 76% of all injuries, mandibular fractures were the most common.

Conclusion:

RTAs were the commonest cause for the maxillofacial injuries.

Analysis of 1,545 Fractures of Facial Region-A Retrospective Study

Incidence and etiology of facial fractures vary from region to region due to various constituents. This study was carried to evaluate the patterns and distribution of fractures in the facial region among different age groups of patients in both males and females caused due to various etiologies. This is a retrospective epidemiological study, which was performed on patients with fractures in the maxillofacial region during a period of 2005 to 2013 at Mamata Dental College and Hospital, Khammam, India. A total of 1,015 patients with 1,545 fractures were referred for treatment to department of oral and maxillofacial injuries surgery, of Mamata Dental College and Hospital, with a mean age of 31.19. The ratio of males (859):females (156) is 5.5:1. Injuries caused by motorbike injuries (34.9%) are highest. The highest frequency of fractures caused by various reasons is seen more in third decade (39%). Mandible (43.81%) is the most common fracture site in the face. Among soft tissue injuries most commonly seen are lacerations (43%). This study differentiates the etiological factors causing facial trauma in several age groups. Results of this study suggest outcomes indicate that more reliance on individual transport on motor vehicles has increased the frequency of facial bone fractures. Regardless of age, motor vehicle accidents were high in all age groups except the first decade of life and above 60 years of age when traffic accidents dominated. Thus effectiveness of current preventive measures is to be assessed, followed by instituting new guidelines for prevention and inflexible traffic rules shall be levied. More epidemiological surveys can, if encouraged to measure the frequency of fractures, better the world.

Pattern of maxillofacial fractures: a 5-year analysis of 8,818 patients

BACKGROUND

This multicenter study assessed the demographics, prevalence, causes, types, treatment, and complications of maxillofacial (MF) fractures managed by MF surgeons nationwide.

METHODS

This 5-year retrospective descriptive analytical chart study evaluated 8,818 patients treated for MF fractures from 2007 to 2012 at 11 medical centers. Parameters, including age, sex, cause of injury, site of injury, type of injury, fracture patterns, treatment modalities, and complications, were evaluated from patient charts and radiographs. Collected data were analyzed via t test or χ test using SPSS 20 (Chicago, IL). A p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. This retrospective chart study was exempt from institutional review board approval.

RESULTS

There were 7,369 male patients (83.6%), 1,376 female patients (15.7%), and 73 patients (0.8%) of unknown sex (aged 6 months to 112 years); 39.54% (3,457 patients) were in the 21-year to 30-year age group (mean, 28.18 years). We found 5,737 mandibular fractures (65.1%); mandible fracture was the most common (p < 0.05), followed by maxillary (1,641, 18.6%), zygomatic (3,240, 36.0%), orbital floor (743, 8.4%), naso-orbitoethmoidal (472, 5.4%), nasal (848, 9.6%), and frontal (344, 3.9%) fractures. Road traffic accidents were the most common cause. Posttreatment documented complications included remaining neurosensory disturbance of the inferior alveolar nerve (16.01%) and the infraorbital nerve (15.5%), remaining neuromotor disturbance of the facial nerve (2.3%), blurred vision (2.43%), diplopia (3.2%), limitation of eye movement (1.6%), exophthalmoses (1.88%), blindness (0.8%), as well as postoperative infection and chronic osteomyelitis (1.0%).

CONCLUSION

On the basis of our study, mandibular fractures, in males and resulting from road traffic accidents in the third decade of life, were significant findings. Although the prevalence of MF fractures, demographics, and causes vary from one country to another and awareness of these patterns can provide insight to prevention protocols, this study shows that, despite better law enforcement of traffic regulations, better roads, better automobiles, and the like, the pattern of MF fractures in Iran has not changed significantly during the past 10 years.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Epidemiologic study, level IV.

Maxillofacial Trauma Trends at a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Retrospective Study

Purpose:

Maxillofacial fractures are rapidly increasing from car accidents, industrial accidents, teenaged criminal activity, and sports injuries. Accurate assessment, appropriate diagnosis, and preparing individual treatment plans are necessary to reduce surgical complications. We investigated recent trends of facial bone fracture by period, cause, and type, with the objective of reducing surgical complications.

Methods:

To investigate time trends of maxillofacial fractures, we reviewed medical records from 2,196 patients with maxillofacial fractures in 1981∼1987 (Group A), 1995∼1999 (Group B), and 2008∼2012 (Group C). We analyzed each group, comparing the number of patients, sex ratio, age, fracture site, and etiology.

Results:

The number of patients in each period was 418, 516, and 1,262 in Groups A to C. Of note is the increase in the number of patients from Group A to C. The sex ratios were 5.6:1, 3.5:1, and 3.8:1 in Groups A, B, and C. The most affected age group for fracture is 20∼29 in all three groups. Traffic accidents are the most common cause in Groups A and B, while there were somewhat different causes of fracture in Group C. Sports-induced facial trauma was twice as high in Group C compared with Group A and B. Mandible fracture accounts for a large portion of facial bone fractures overall.

Conclusion:

We observed an increase in facial bone fracture patients at Kyungpook National University Dental Hospital over the years. Although facial injury caused by traffic accidents was still a major cause of facial bone fracture in all periods, the percentage decreased. In recent years, isolated mandible fracture increased but mandible and mid-facial complex fracture decreased, possibly because of a reduction in traffic accidents.

Analysis of Road Traffic Crashes-Related Maxillofacial Injuries Severity and Concomitant Injuries in 201 Patients Seen at the UCH, Ibadan

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of road traffic crashes (RTC)-related maxillofacial injuries, the concomitant injuries occurring with them, and to assess the relationship between the severity of maxillofacial and concomitant injuries. This was a prospective study involving 201 victims of RTC seen at the Accident and Emergency Department of the University College Hospital, Ibadan with maxillofacial injuries during the study period. Demographic data of the patients, the types of maxillofacial injuries, and concomitant injuries sustained were recorded. Severity of maxillofacial injury was determined using the maxillofacial injury severity scale (MFISS), while the severity of concomitant injuries was based on the ISS. Correlations between types and severity of maxillofacial injury and types and severity of concomitant injury were conducted to determine the predictability of concomitant injuries based on maxillofacial injury severity. Data were processed using SPSS Statistical software (SPSS, version 20.0 for windows, IBM SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL). Maxillofacial injuries constituted 25.4% of RTC-related admission by the Accident and Emergency Department. A total of 151 (75.1%) patients who presented with concomitant injuries participated in the study. Eighty-one (53.6%) sustained injuries to more than one body region. Head injury was the commonest (99, 65.6%) concomitant injury, followed by orthopedic injury (69, 45.7%). Increasing severity of maxillofacial injury showed a positive correlation with increasing ISS. Also, positive correlation was noted with increasing severity of maxillofacial injury and presence of polytrauma (p = 0.01), traumatic brain injury (p = 0.034), and eye injuries (p = 0.034). There was a high prevalence of maxillofacial injuries in victims of RTC. There was a high incidence of concomitant injuries noted with these maxillofacial injuries. Significantly, this study showed a direct relationship between the severity of maxillofacial injury and head, ocular and polytrauma. This study further emphasizes the need for thorough examination of patients presenting with RTC-related maxillofacial injuries.

Aetiology of maxillofacial fractures: a review of published studies during the last 30 years

The epidemiology of facial trauma may vary widely across countries (and even within the same country), and is dependent on several cultural and socioeconomic factors. We know of few reviews of published reports that have considered the sex distribution and aetiology of maxillofacial trauma throughout the world. The aim of this review was to discuss these aspects as they have been presented in papers published during the last 30 years. We made a systematic review of papers about the epidemiology of maxillofacial trauma that were published between January 1980 and December 2013 and identified 69 studies from Africa (n=9), North America and Brazil (n=6), Asia (n=36), Europe (n=16), and Oceania (n=2). In all the studies men outnumbered women, the ratio usually being more than 2:1. In American, African, and Asian studies road traffic crashes were the predominant cause. In European studies the aetiology varied, with assaults and road traffic crashes being the most important factors. In Oceania assaults were the most important. A comparison of the incidence of maxillofacial trauma of different countries together with a knowledge of different laws (seat belts for drivers, helmets for motocyclists, speed limits, and protection worn during sports and at work) is crucial to allow for improvement in several countries. To our knowledge this paper is the first attempt to study and compare the aetiologies of maxillofacial trauma.