Craniomaxillofacial injuries: experience in Tehran

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Craniofacial trauma presents complex challenges in diagnosis and management.
• Understanding injury patterns is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
• The Iraq-Iran conflict resulted in a significant number of civilian and military casualties with severe injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the patterns and causes of craniofacial injuries treated in Tehran hospitals.
• To identify the most common anatomical locations and injury types.
• To report on treatment modalities and complication rates.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 1,608 patients treated between 1984 and 1990.
• Classification of injuries by type (soft tissue, bony, mixed) and anatomical level (lower, middle, upper thirds).
• Data collection on injury causes, associated injuries, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• The majority of injuries were mixed (70%), with lower third craniofacial injuries being most prevalent (69%).
• Firearm-related injuries accounted for 71% of cases, with the mandible being the most common site in the lower third.
• High complication rates were observed, especially following firearm injuries.

Conclusions:

• Firearm violence during the conflict led to a high incidence of severe craniofacial trauma.
• The lower third of the face, particularly the mandible, was most susceptible to these injuries.
• Effective management requires addressing associated injuries and anticipating high complication rates.