Prevalence of maxillo-mandibular fractures in mainland Tanzania

In order to evaluate the current trends in maxillo-mandibular fractures, hospital records of all patients who had sustained maxillo-mandibular fractures (in Tanzania Mainland) from 1990-1992 were examined. A specially designed questionnaire was dispatched to Regional Dental Officers to be filled after examining the hospital files of patients. Factors considered were age, sex, date fracture and anatomical site of the fracture. Records of 179 patients who had sustained 187 maxillo-mandibular fractures were identified and analysed. Results showed that the greatest number of maxillo-mandibular fractures occurred in patients between the age group 21-30 years, with a male to female ratio of 3:1. Assault was found to have been the leading aetiological factor (29.9%) followed by motor vehicle and motor cycle accidents (27.3%), falls (18.2%), bar fights (9.1%), sports (8.6%), spouse abuse (3.7%) and work injuries constituted 3.2%. Mandibular fractures out-numbered maxillary fractures in a ratio of 4:1. Of the mandibular fractures, fracture of the body of the mandible occurred most followed by fracture at the angle of the mandible, symphysis, condyle, alveolar and ramus.