Occurrence and Characteristics of Maxillofacial Injuries – a Study

This descriptive study was undertaken to evaluate and analyze the pattern of maxillofacial fractures in 340 patients reported to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar from Oct 2005 to May 2007. These patients were examined both clinically and radiologically for maxillofacial fractures. Data regarding the age, gender, cause of fracture and site of fracture were evaluated and reviewed. The age range was 2-28 years (mean 25±16.4years) with high frequency occurring in 21-30 years age group. The male to female ratio was 3:1. The leading cause of maxillofacial fracture was road traffic accident [RTA (n=154; 45.2%)], followed by accidental fall (n= 101; 29.7%) and firearm injury [FAI (n=49; 14.4%)]. It was noted that road traffic accident and fall caused most of the parasymphyseal (n= 90) and condylar fractures (n=65) in mandible, while firearm injury and assault caused more body (n=18) and angle (n=20) fractures. Maxillary bone fractures (55.5%) were common followed by zygomatic bone (38.8%). This study can guide us to formulate strategies and policies to prevent maxillofacial fractures.