Etiology and pattern of maxillofacial trauma

Area of Science:

• Maxillofacial Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Maxillofacial trauma encompasses a spectrum from superficial injuries to complex fractures.
• Understanding the causes and patterns of these injuries is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the etiology, patterns, and predictors of soft tissue and bony injuries in maxillofacial trauma.
• To analyze the association between injury types and demographic factors.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study of 253 patients with maxillofacial trauma was conducted over 2.5 years.
• Clinical and radiological assessments, including neurosensory and motor nerve function evaluations, were performed.
• Data were analyzed using SPSS, with chi-square and regression tests to identify significant predictors (P≤0.05).

Main Results:

• Road traffic accidents (RTAs) were the primary cause (63.6%), followed by assault and falls.
• The mandible was the most frequently fractured bone (22.9%), often predicted by RTAs.
• Firearm injuries (FAIs) were associated with a high frequency of multiple soft tissue lacerations (38%) and nerve injuries (47%).

Conclusions:

• RTAs are the predominant cause of maxillofacial trauma, with a strong link to mandible fractures.
• Trigeminal nerve injuries are common and associated with mandible fractures, with FAIs being a significant predictor.
• Comprehensive assessment is vital for managing diverse maxillofacial injuries and their complications.