Clinicodemographic characteristics of maxillofacial fractures with concomitant injuries in a tertiary hospital in north-central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Maxillofacial injuries are any physical trauma to the soft tissues, bony structures, and special regions of the face. They are significant because injuries to this region can result in serious damage to sight, smell, breathing, eating, and talking. This study aims to describe the clinicodemographic characteristics of maxillofacial fractures seen in a teaching hospital and the types of concomitant injuries in these patients. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of patients with maxillofacial fractures seen in a tertiary center. The study population was made up of 123 patients seen between January 2015 and December 2017. The independent variables were the demographic and clinical variables as well as the pattern of maxillofacial facial fractures whereas the outcome variable was concomitant injuries and maxillofacial fractures. Results: A total of 123 patients with maxillofacial fractures were recruited of which 80 patients had associated concomitant injuries. The male-to-female ratio was 7.2:1 with a mean age of 33.7 ± 10.2 years. The age group 21 to 30 years was most commonly affected whereas the unemployed and students were more predisposed. The most common fracture type in maxillofacial fracture patients was the zygomatic complex fractures whereas the most common fracture type was a combined facial and mandibular fracture in patients with concomitant injury. Concomitant injuries occurred in up to 65% of patients with maxillofacial fractures. The most common site of concomitant injuries was the upper limbs followed by the lower limbs. Conclusion: Concomitant injuries are commonly found to accompany maxillofacial fractures, hence the need for the managing team to look out for them.