Prevalence and pattern of maxillofacial injuries and treatment outcome after bear attacks in Jharkhand population

Sloth bear, a native species of Indian subcontinent, has a population estimate of 1200-1500 in Jharkhand. Human habitats in proximity to forest reserve cause frequent human-bear interactions and thus bear attack injuries. Face is the most common site affected. This is a prospective study performed to evaluate the incidence and pattern of maxillofacial trauma after bear attack and the outcome of the treatment provided to them.

Patients with bear attack injuries reporting to the outpatient department were recruited for the study. The incidence was recorded in terms of time, month, and site. Details of maxillofacial wounds and fractures were noted. The variables used to analyze the outcome of the treatment were ugly scar, facial asymmetry (eyelid, nose, cheek, and lips), facial nerve paralysis, loss of vision, and alopecia.

Majority of the cases were reported in April and March. Victims were from Ranchi 4 (26.6%), Gumla 3 (20%), Lohardaga 2 (13.3%), Latehar 2 (13.3%), Simdega 1 (6.6%), Ramgarh 1 (6.6%), Khunti 1 (6.6%), and West Singhbhum 1 (6.6%) districts of Jharkhand. Zygoma (10) was the most affected fractured bone, followed by frontal (9) and mandible (6). Minor ugly scar was found in 14 (93.3%) of the patients, postoperative facial deformity in 12 (80%), unilateral facial paralysis in 2 (13.3%), and alopecia patch in the scalp in 1 (13.3%).

Spring and early summer are the breeding seasons of sloth bears in Jharkhand. Mahua petal which attracts the wild bear falls from trees during these months causing such human attacks. Loss of vision describes the mutilating nature of bear attack.