Patterns of Surgically Managed Maxillofacial Injuries in a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India

Maxillofacial injuries represent a significant burden in trauma care, largely driven by the increasing incidence of motor vehicle collisions. This study evaluates the demographic profiles, aetiologies, fracture patterns, concomitant injuries, and clinical outcomes of surgically managed maxillofacial trauma at a tertiary care centre in North India.

This retrospective observational study analysed patients aged >15 years undergoing surgical intervention for acute maxillofacial fractures between January and December 2024. Data regarding demographics, mechanism of injury, fracture site, associated trauma, and postoperative complications were extracted from hospital records and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27 (Released 2020; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York).

Of the 152 patients, 96.05% (n = 146) were male, with the most prevalent age group being 21-30 years (26.32%). Road traffic accidents (RTAs) were the primary aetiology (80.26%). Panfacial fractures were the most common injury pattern (53.95%). Concomitant head injuries were present in 36.84% of cases. The average hospital stay was 5.6 days, with aesthetically unpleasing scars being the most frequent postoperative concern.

The high prevalence of RTA-induced panfacial fractures among young males highlights an urgent need for stricter enforcement of road safety protocols, speed regulations, and the use of protective gear in the North Indian region.