Patterns of maxillofacial fractures in Hofuf, Saudi Arabia: A 10-year retrospective case series

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study was performed to analyze the incidence, etiology, and types of maxillofacial fractures in a major city in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of all patients treated in the operating rooms for maxillofacial fractures by the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department at King Fahad Hospital, Hofuf, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2016, were reviewed. A total of 270 patients with complete records were included. The data extracted included the age, gender, nationality, causes of injury, and patterns of maxillofacial fractures involved. RESULTS: Among the 270 patients, 241 (89.3%) were males, and 29 (10.7%) were females. The young adult (19–44 years) age group was the most affected (65.6%). Road traffic accidents (63.3%) were found to be the most frequent causes of maxillofacial fractures; falls were the second most common (15.9%). The rate of mandibular (54.6%) fractures was higher than that of mid-facial (45.4%) fractures. Among the mandibular fractures, the most common type was the parasymphyseal fracture (24.6%). Zygomatic fractures were the most common (48.6%) of midface fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Similar to reports of other studies in different regions of Saudi Arabia, Al-Ahsa showed that road traffic accidents were the most predominant etiology of maxillofacial fractures affecting most frequently males of young adult age group. These findings emphasize the need for better education of road safety and enforcement of traffic laws, especially for the most affected age group.