Analysis of the pattern of maxillofacial fractures in north western of Iran: A retrospective study

• Main Authors: Mesgarzadeh Ali, Shahamfar Mohamadreza, Azar Samira, Shahamfar Jafar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2011-01-01
• Series: Journal of Emergencies, Trauma and Shock
• Subjects: Maxillofacial fracture; retrospective study; road traffic accidents
• Online Access: http://www.onlinejets.org/article.asp?issn=0974-2700;year=2011;volume=4;issue=1;spage=48;epage=52;aulast=Mesgarzadeh
• ISSN: 0974-2700; 0974-519X

<b>Background</b> : Maxillofacial fractures can lead to substantial long-term functional, esthetic and psychological complications. <b>Aim</b> : The aim of this study is to evaluate these injuries in a Turkish Iranian population. <b>Materials and Methods</b> : A retrospective study of 170 patients with 210 maxillofacial fractures admitted to the emergency department of a central referral emergency hospital in the area over a 5 year period is presented. Patients&#x2032; data included demographic information, etiology, site and associated injuries and complications. <b>Results</b> : Road traffic accident was the commonest cause (40&#x0025;) and the age group of 21-30 comprised the biggest group (30&#x0025;). Mandibular fractures outnumbered midface fractures (150vs.60). Ramus (21.5&#x0025;) and zygoma (26.5&#x0025;) were the commonest fracture regions respectively in mandible and midface. Male: female ratio was 3.8:1 Almost half of patients (46&#x0025;) had sustained associated injuries most of which was soft tissue laceration of the face (17.5&#x0025;). 22 patient (13&#x0025;) had associated complication and the hemorrhage was the commonest form of that (9&#x0025;). <b>Conclusion</b> : It seems that road traffic accidents continue to be the leading cause of maxillofacial fractures and there is an urgent need to implement enhanced regulations and monitoring on motor vehicular traffic.