MAXILLOFACIAL SOFT TISSUE INJURIES IN NAIROBI, KENYA

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Public Health

Background:

• Maxillofacial soft tissue injuries (MF-STIs) represent a significant burden of trauma.
• Understanding the aetiology of MF-STIs is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
• Previous studies have not fully elucidated the specific causes and patterns in Kenyan populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the primary causes of MF-STIs presenting at a major Kenyan referral hospital.
• To describe the demographic patterns and occurrence of these injuries.
• To compare the aetiology of MF-STIs with that of skeletal fractures.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study design was employed.
• Data were collected from 422 patients treated for MF-STIs at Kenyatta National Hospital's Accident and Emergency department.
• The study period was from September 2009 to December 2009.

Main Results:

• Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) were the leading cause of MF-STIs (44.6%), followed by interpersonal violence (IPV) (39.1%).
• In children under 12, MVAs predominated (50.0%), while falls from heights were most common in those under five (58.3%).
• IPV was the leading cause of facial fractures (48.1%), with no skeletal fractures observed in children under five. Associated injuries included head injury (36%) and long bone fractures (52%).

Conclusions:

• The aetiological factors for MF-STIs differ significantly from those causing skeletal fractures.
• Motor vehicle accidents and interpersonal violence are key contributors to maxillofacial soft tissue trauma in this Kenyan setting.
• Age-specific injury patterns were observed, underscoring the need for tailored prevention efforts.