An epidemiological study of maxillofacial fractures requiring surgical treatment at a tertiary trauma centre between 2005 and 2010

The epidemiology of maxillofacial fractures shows considerable regional variation as a result of local demographic and socioeconomic factors. We have assessed the epidemiological characteristics of such fractures at our centre in The Netherlands. The medical records of 394 patients who were treated surgically for maxillofacial fractures between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2010 were analysed retrospectively. The male:female ratio was 3:1. There was a peak incidence in the second and third decades of life among men. The number of injured patients/year remained stable during the selected period. The incidence was highest in the spring and at weekends. Fractures of the mandible and zygoma were the most common. Road traffic crashes were the most common cause of injury (42%) and mainly involved bicycles. A total of 165 (15%) of the patients were intoxicated, and 142 patients (36%) had other serious injuries. Most patients (n=248, 63%) were treated within a day of presentation. Two hundred and thirty-two patients (59%) spent 4 days or fewer in hospital. The presence of other injuries was associated with a prolonged stay in hospital. Groups at particular risk of maxillofacial fractures are young men and cyclists. The use of helmets by cyclists could achieve a large reduction in injuries to the brain and upper face.