Maxillofacial Fractures Surgically Managed at Aalesund Hospital between 2002 and 2009

This study analyses the demographics, etiology, and complications in patients operated for maxillofacial fractures by oral and maxillofacial surgeons at the Aalesund Hospital between 2002 and 2009. A total of 188 fractures in 139 patients were studied. The male-to-female ratio was 3.6:1 and the mean age was 35.7 ± 17.2 years. Males were significantly younger than females (p < 0.05). Mandibular (52.7%) and zygomatic complex fractures (33.5%) were the most frequent. Most patients (41.7%) sustained their injuries as a result of interpersonal violence (IPV) followed by falls (25.9%) and traffic accidents (15.8%). Significantly more males were victims of IPV (p < 0.05). Almost half of the female cohort sustained their injuries from falling. More than half of those who sustained their injuries between midnight and morning were intoxicated. The majority of cases were treated by open reduction and internal fixation (56.8%). Posttraumatic and postoperative complications were seen in 25% of the patients, with infection (8.6%) occurring most frequently. Mandibular and zygomatic complex fractures were the most frequent in our study. IPV in association with alcohol and drugs was a major cause of maxillofacial fractures, especially among young adult males. Falls were the predominant cause of fractures among females.