An Assessment of Maxillofacial Injuries: A 5-Year Study of 2112 Patients

Objective: To assess the etiology and pattern of maxillofacial injuries in our settings. Study design: Retrospective Study Place: and Duration: This study was carried out at the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) between January 2005 and December 2009 Materials and Methods: Records of patients who were either treated in the Emergency Room as outpatients or in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as indoor patients were analyzed. Age, gender, cause, site and type of injury and treatment provided were recorded. Results: Out of 2112 patients, 73% (n=1533) were male and 27% (n=579) were female. 48% of the patients were in the 13-30 year age bracket. Road traffic accidents accounted for the majority (57%) of cases of maxillofacial trauma while soft tissue injuries were the most frequently seen injury (43%). Mandible was seen as the most commonly fractured bone 75.6%(n=712) and majority of the bony maxillofacial injuries were treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Conclusion: Road traffic accidents were clearly the most prevalent etiological factor for maxillofacial trauma, therefore better, stricter road safety laws need to be evolved and implemented.