Orofacial trauma in rural India: A clinical study

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Trauma Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Orofacial trauma presents a significant and increasing global health challenge.
• Existing research on orofacial trauma predominantly focuses on urban populations, leaving a gap in understanding rural injury patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence, causes, and characteristics of orofacial injuries in a rural population.
• To analyze treatment modalities and associated complications of orofacial trauma in a medical institute setting.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 784 orofacial injury patients over 36 months (May 2013 - April 2016).
• Data collection included patient demographics, injury etiology, injury type and location, treatment interventions, and complications.
• Statistical analysis was performed to identify trends and significant factors.

Main Results:

• Road-side accidents were the leading cause (72.7%), followed by assault (11.6%) and falls (8%).
• Soft tissue injuries and mandibular fractures were most common; head/neck and limb injuries were prevalent associated injuries.
• Surgical interventions like debridement and suturing were frequent, with closed reduction (61%) and open reduction internal fixation (30%) for fractures. Complications (6.88%) included infection and malocclusion.

Conclusions:

• Road-side accidents are the predominant cause of orofacial trauma in the studied rural population.
• Effective management of orofacial injuries requires multidisciplinary collaboration, including dental surgery departments.