Four years prospective study of the maxillofacial trauma at a tertiary center in Western Nepal

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to find the epidemiological characteristics of maxillofacial trauma in the Western region of Nepal. Materials and Methods: All the trauma patients attending the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery in 4 years period at a tertiary center in Western Nepal were included in the study. The incidence, prevalence, age and sex distribution, etiologies and types as well as seasonal and daily variation of maxillofacial trauma were studied. Results: Maxillofacial trauma with male (71.55%) predominance was seen. Road traffic accidents (RTA, 46.5%) were the most common cause, and 41.65% of fracture cases due to RTA were under the influence of alcohol. Accidents were more common on the rural roads (38.9%), and majorities (43.3%) were due to motorcycle accidents. They were more common on Friday (36.7%) and in winter seasons (51.2%). The mandible fractures (65.85%) were more common than midface fractures (53.58%) and 19.44% of the fractures were combined fractures. Parasymphysis in mandible (32.16%) and zygoma (39.09%) in midface were the most common type of fracture. Conclusion: The increased incidence of maxillofacial trauma following RTA under the influence of alcohol noted in this study reveals the need for formulating preventive measures in the Western region of Nepal. Need to aware people to avoid drink and drive proper traffic management, prevention of carrying excessive passengers, especially on the rooftop of vehicles on the highway and disposal of out of date vehicles and timely maintenance of faulty roads is a must.

Keywords

• Mandibular fractures, maxillary fractures, maxillofacial injuries