Influence of Positions on the Incidence and severity of Middle Third Facial Fractures in Vehicular and Motorcycle Crashes seen in a Tertiary Health Facility

Abstract

Background: The incidence of middle third facial fractures due to traffic crashes has increased tremendously. In developed countries, there is a gradual decline in traffic crashes as a result of effective compliance with road safety measures unlike in developing countries where the incidence is increasing due to non-compliance and ineffective enforcement of road safety laws, among other factors.

Objective: To present the influence of positioning on the incidence and severity of Maxillofacial injuries in vehicles and motor bike crashes in a Nigerian tertiary health facility.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study of the influence of position of the patient on the incidence of middle third facial fractures presenting at a tertiary institution. Data were analysed using SPSS version 17.

Results: There were more male than female in the ratio of 2.3:8:1 (M: F) and the mean age was 23.2 ± 3.4. Road traffic crash was the major cause of middle third fracture with 231 cases. Pillion passengers and front passengers on both motorcycles and vehicles were the most vulnerable passengers.

Conclusion: There is a strong association between patient positioning and middle third fractures

Keywords: Influence, Position, Middle third facial, fracture