An assessment of maxillofacial fractures treated in a suburban tertiary health facility: a 2-year study of 167 patients

Abstract

Background: Maxillofacial trauma has continued to present a public health nuisance with attendant psychosocial, financial and physical challenges to the individuals affected and the society at large.
Aim: This paper aims to review the aetiologies, pattern, and types of treatment and outcome of treatment of patients with maxillofacial injuries within the study period.
Methods: Departmental records of patients with maxillofacial injuries were reviewed for 2011 and 2012. Data were collected into a predesigned data entry form.
Results: One hundred and sixty-seven correct entries were found. This consist of 118 male and 49 females, giving a male:female ratio of 2.4:1 and the age ranged from 4-63 years. The commonest cause of maxillofacial fracture noted was road traffic accident and the least was child abuse, accounting for 75.0% and 1.0% respectively of all the cases seen. The mandible proved to be the commonest fractured facial bone; representing 76.0% of the fractures. 84.0% of associated injuries were contusions and lacerations of soft tissues around the head and neck. Closed immobilization was the commonest treatment protocol and 7.0% adjudged unsuccessful.
Conclusion: This study concludes that there is a preponderance of male casualties in maxillofacial facial, and the mandible is the most fractured facial bone and that closed immobilization remains a viable treatment option in carefully selected cases.

Key words: Maxillofacial injuries, facial bones, fractures, aetiologies, treatment outcome, psychosocial