Article Sidebar
Article Details
Issue
Section
Articles
Material submitted for publication in the South African Medical Journal (SAMJ) is accepted provided it has not been published elsewhere. Copyright forms will be sent with acknowledgement of receipt and the SAMJ reserves copyright of the material published. The SAMJ does not hold itself responsible for statements made by the authors.
Main Article Content
Prospective audit of mandibular fractures at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital
Abstract
Objective. This study was a prospective cross-sectional clinical audit of patients with mandibular fractures at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. Methods. Between 1 March and 31 August 2004, patients with mandibular fractures seen by one clinician had their details recorded. Results. The female:male ratio of the study sample of 133 patients was 1:6. Seventy-seven per cent were aged 20 - 39 years. Most fractures (86%) were the result of interpersonal violence, and 65% were alcohol-associated. Open reduction (75%) was the most common treatment. Conclusion. This study had the highest interpersonal violence and open reduction rates of all the studies reviewed.
