A retrospective study of injuries to the maxillofacial skeleton in Harare, Zimbabwe

A retrospective study was undertaken of 311 patients with injuries to the maxillofacial skeleton treated at Harare Central Hospital, Harare. Two hundred and fifty two (80.7%) of the patients were males, 74.6% of all the fractures involved the mandible and assault was the most common causative agent (81.6%). The aetiology, incidence, pattern of fractures, presence of infection, choice of treatment and the results of treatment are discussed.