Epidemiologic patterns of maxillofacial fractures: A 5-year study in a referral hospital in Iran

Background: Maxillofacial trauma and fractures are among the most common reasons for referral to ER. Epidemiologic features and fracture patterns are widely dependent on cultural, environmental, and socio-economic parameters. In this study we aimed to assess epidemiology and patterns of facial fractures in Iran.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a Trauma research center. In this study, medical records of patients with maxillofacial fractures from 2010 to 2015 were reviewed. Age, gender, GCS at admission, hospital stay, fracture cause, site fractured bones, ocular injuries, brain injuries, trigeminal involvement, facial involvement, soft tissue injuries, upper limb fractures and open fractures were evaluated. Treatment plans were also reviewed. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. Results: 283 patients with mean age of 32.48 years and male-to-female ratio of 4.43:1 were assessed. The most common age group was the third decade of life (38.2%). The most common causes of fracture were MVA (66.4%), falls (13.1%) and assault (9.2%). The most common fractured bones were mandibles (42.04%), orbit (39.57%) and maxilla (37.1%). Most patients underwent open reduction (94%). The most common treatment was open reduction and internal fixation with miniplates (49.5%). The hospital stay duration was 3.44 days (on average).Conclusion: In maxillofacial fractures, males in the third decade of life were the most prone to facial fractures. risk. Associated injuries were common and must not be neglected on physical examination. The profession, culture and social differences are influential in facial fractures and thus vary in different nations.