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

BACKGROUND: Maxillofacial fractures can lead to substantial long-term functional, esthetic and psychological complications. AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate these injuries in a Turkish Iranian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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’ data included demographic information, etiology, site and associated injuries and complications. RESULTS: Road traffic accident was the commonest cause (40%) and the age group of 21-30 comprised the biggest group (30%). Mandibular fractures outnumbered midface fractures (150 vs. 60). Ramus (21.5%) and zygoma (26.5%) were the commonest fracture regions respectively in mandible and midface. Male: female ratio was 3.8:1 Almost half of patients (46%) had sustained associated injuries most of which was soft tissue laceration of the face (17.5%). 22 patient (13%) had associated complication and the hemorrhage was the commonest form of that (9%). CONCLUSION: 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.