Maxillofacial fractures in Hamedan province, Iran: a retrospective study (1987-2001).

BACKGROUND This study presents the various types, causes and incidence, along with their clinical management and associated complications of maxillofacial fractures at an emergency hospital in Hamedan, Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 2268 patients with 3107 facial fractures treated between 1987 and 2001, were retrospectively analysed. The average number of fractures for each patient was 1.37. Data on the patient's age, gender, cause, site, treatment modalities and trauma-associated complications were recorded and assessed. RESULTS Men 21-30 years of age sustained the most facial fractures. The ratio of male to female was 3.8:1. The age range was 4 months to 90 years (mean 24.6 years). Most fractures were caused by motor vehicle accidents (60%, 1360 pts), followed by falls (18.9%, 429 pts), and assaults (10%, 227 pts). Isolated mandibular fractures (52.6%, 1194 pts) were most common, followed by isolated mid-facial fractures (29.5%, 669 pts) and alveolar process fractures (15.1%, 342 pts). 70.8% of patients were treated by closed reduction, 17.8% with open procedures and 11.4% using both. Complications resulting directly from trauma occurred in 5.5% of patients. CONCLUSION The findings support the view that both the causes and incidence of maxillofacial fractures vary from one country to another.