Study of the pattern of maxillofacial fractures seen at a tertiary care hospital in north India

Maxillofacial Trauma in Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Study

Objective

The study was conducted to analyze the pattern, etiology and management of maxillofacial trauma in children up to 16 years of age.

Study Design

Records of the patients who sustained maxillofacial trauma from 2013 to 2018 were retrospectively evaluated for age, gender, etiology, pattern of injuries and their management. Children were divided into three groups-primary (0-5 yrs), mixed (6-11 yrs) and permanent dentition group (12-16 yrs). Maxillofacial trauma was observed as midface fracture, mandible fractures, soft tissue injuries and associated tooth fractures. SPSS software version 19.0 was used for the data analysis.

Result

A total record of 99 children were evaluated. Gender-wise distribution was reported twice in male than females. Fall was observed as the major etiological factor (73.7%) with a significant p value of 0.012 using chi-square test. The highest frequency of maxillofacial trauma is noted in mixed dentition group (47.4%). Mandible fracture was most frequently observed followed by associated soft tissue injury. Conservative approach/closed reduction for management was executed for the majority of cases.

Conclusion

Knowledge gained from the present study would help in assessing the effectiveness of present preventive modalities and facilitate elaboration of future preventive measures and new research works as well.

Comparison of hybrid arch bar versus conventional arch bar for temporary maxillomandibular fixation during treatment of jaw fractures: a prospective comparative study

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a hybrid arch bar (hAB) with the conventional Erich arch bar (EAB) for the management of jaw fractures, focusing on their use for temporary fixation in patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

Materials and Methods

Patients presenting with maxillary and mandibular fractures at our institution were included in this prospective, comparative study. Placement time and ease of occlusal reproducibility were recorded intraoperatively for Group A (hAB patients) and Group B (EAB patients). The primary outcome was comparison of the postoperative stability of the two arch bars. Postoperative measurements also included mucosal overgrowth, screw loosening or wire retightening, and replacement rates. The data were tabulated and computed with a P<0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

The study included 41 patients. A statistically significant difference was observed in postoperative stability scores (3) between Group A and Group B (85.0% vs 9.5%, P=0.001). The mean placement time in Group A (23.3 minutes) significantly differed from that in Group B (86.4 minutes) (P<0.001). The ease of intraoperative occlusion was not different between the two groups (P=0.413). Mucosal overgrowth was observed in 75.0% of patients (15 of 20) in Group A.

Conclusion

The hAB was superior to EAB in clinical efficiency, maxillomandibular fixation time reduction, stability, versatility, and safety. Despite temporary mucosal overgrowth, the benefits of hAB outweigh the disadvantages. The choice between hAB and EAB should be based on specific clinical requirements.

Helmet shielding effect in mandibular fractures during road traffic accident

Objective:

The objectives of this study are to evaluate the proportion of helmeted and nonhelmeted patients sustaining mandibular fractures.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted on 200 patients reporting to oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) unit, trauma center, and department of OMFS. A predesigned questionnaire was used to collect the necessary data. Patients were evaluated for age, gender, mode of transport (2/4 wheeler), presence of safety measure at the time of accident (helmet/seatbelt), maxillofacial injury in two wheeler (with helmet and without helmet), type of impact, and its association to maxillofacial fractures, particularly site of maxillofacial fractures. The association between mode of injury, presence of safety measures, impact type, and site of maxillofacial injuries was assessed using the Chi-square test. P < 0.5 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The mean age of patients was 30 years, and approximately 92.5% of accidents patients were male. In this study, 35% nonhelmeted riders were reported head injury and 5% of the helmeted rider reported head injury. 54.5% of the patients suffered frontal impact, 28% collision, and 17.5% lateral slide collision. Head injuries are the main cause of death among the riders of all two wheelers. Lateral sliding collision injuries (17.5%) resulted 60.6% of the fractures mandible, 24.2% midface injury, and associated injury (15.15%).

Conclusion:

The use of helmet is strongly recommended to prevent head injuries and facial injuries. In the nonhelmeted riders in motorcycle accidents, the incidence of mandible fractures increases proportionally.

Emerging Trends of Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures and Their Etiological Analysis in a Tertiary Health Centre from Eastern India: A Retrospective Study

Introduction

Maxillofacial region is one of the most complicated arrangements of bony and soft tissues in human body, superiorly bounded by cranial bones and inferiorly by the mandible with interposed dentition. This is one of the reasons which make injuries to this region difficult to manage and often controversial. The severity and patterns of these injuries have changed considerably due to the increasing reliance on fast road transportation facilities and interpersonal violence.

Materials and methods

The aim of the present study is to analyze retrospectively the changing patterns of mid-face fractures in a sample of patients reporting to Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in AIIMS Bhubaneswar, India, from April 2017 to April 2018. A performa was prepared which included age, sex, etiology of injury, alcohol influence, and treatment given during hospital stay.

Results

Road traffic accidents contributed 68.11% of zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures, followed by assault (18.11%) and fall from height (13.76%). RTA was the major cause of atypical ZMC fractures as compared to conventional ZMC fractures (P < 0.001).

Discussion

Due to modern lifestyle and changes in fast transportation, recent fracture patterns do not follow the tell-tale signs or patterns and often need unique and patient-specific treatment plan, making the skills of maxillofacial surgeons the pivotal factor in better prognosis.

Exploring the effect of streamlining multidisciplinary care pathways on orbital trauma outcomes at a regional referral centre

Introduction

Complex orbital fractures require multi-specialty input. The United Kingdom currently has no agreed best practice guidelines. A systematic review and meta-analysis found a significantly increased adverse outcome of persistent diplopia in patients operated on more than 14 days after initial injury. At our tertiary centre, we felt patient outcomes may be affected by investigative and referral pathway limitations so evaluated to assess and attempt to improve these.

Methods

This was a two-stage service evaluation study of all orbital trauma patients requiring specialist oculoplastic and orbital input. The initial phase included all orbital trauma patients referred to our department in April–November 2014. We assessed relevant key performance indicators and then implemented changes to our referral system, educated referring departments and formed a multidisciplinary team clinic to manage complex trauma. We then re-evaluated, collecting data on all patients referred March–May 2015.

Results

Most patients were male and victims of assault. Following intervention, there was a significant reduction in the injury to eye clinic review time (3.45 weeks to 2.22 weeks, p = 0.01) and multidisciplinary team review time (3.86 weeks to 2.71 weeks, p = 0.04). Injury to discharge time was significantly reduced from 6.15 weeks to 3.36 weeks (p = 0.002).

Discussion

Our study shows that a multidisciplinary team approach and structured pathways can improve assessment and intervention times for orbital trauma patients. This may have a beneficial effect on patient outcomes. In the absence of guidelines in the United Kingdom, we believe similar improvements could be implemented by other national centres and outcomes evaluated to assist future guidance formation.

A retrospective cross-sectional study of maxillofacial trauma in Delhi-NCR Region

Aim and Objectives

To evaluate the pattern, prevalence, etiology, site of fractures, and their management in patients with maxillofacial injury in Delhi-NCR region.

Materials and Methods

A total of 1278 maxillofacial trauma patients visiting different registered hospitals from Delhi-NCR region from January 2012 to December 2017, treated by open reduction and internal fixation under general anesthesia (GA)/local anesthesia (LA) or closed reduction/conservatively, were taken into the study. The parameters considered in the study were age and sex distribution, etiological factors and incidence of maxillofacial trauma, pattern and site distribution of maxillofacial fractures, and management.

Results

From a total of 2250 trauma patients, 1278 patients (1053 males and 225 females) had maxillofacial injury. The average prevalence rate was 56.8%. Yearly incidence rate was 20.4%. Road traffic accident (RTA) was the most common cause of trauma in 1029 (80.5%) patients, followed by physical assault [158 (12.3%)] with significant male predominance in different age groups. Isolated mandibular fractures were the most common [48.6% (parasymphysis 31.6%, condyle 28.2%)], followed by midface with maxilla fracture [27.6% (zygomatic bone and arch 50.2% and Lefort II fractures 18%)]. Treatment modalities were conservative management, closed reduction, and open reduction with internal fixation under GA/LA.

Conclusion

RTA followed by physical assault is still the leading cause of maxillofacial trauma in young males in Delhi-NCR region. Mini plate osteosynthesis is the main treatment procedure for maxillofacial trauma. We need to enforce strict traffic rules, road safety law, and preventive measures along with improvement in education and socioeconomic status in the population to avoid maxillofacial injuries.

A retrospective study of mandibular fractures in children

Objectives

The incidence and patterns of mandibular fractures vary by country and population age. This retrospective study evaluated the etiologies and patterns of mandibular fractures in children.

Materials and Methods

The clinical records of 89 children (45 males and 44 females) aged 0 to 12 years who presented with mandibular fractures from July 2012 to June 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The sex, patient age, site of fracture, etiology of trauma, and monthly variations of the fractures were recorded. Descriptive statistics, the z-test and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis and the P-value was set at <0.05.

Results

Eighty-nine children (male-to-female ratio 1.02:1) sustained 131 mandibular fractures. Within the study sample, the 6 to 9 year age group most frequently experienced fractures (47.3%). Falls and road traffic accidents (RTA) were the two most common etiological factors that accounted for 44.9% and 24.7% of cases. The condylar fracture was the most common anatomical location (38.9%) followed by the angle (20.6%), parasymphysis (18.3%), body (15.3%), and symphysis (5.3%). A single fracture (51.7%) was more common than multiple fractures (48.3%). The month-wise distribution of mandibular fractures was fairly constant.

Conclusion

The condylar region was the most common anatomic site for fractures; in addition, a fall and RTA were the major etiological factors for mandibular fractures. A single fracture was observed in 51.7% of patients while multiple fracture lines accounted for 48.3% of cases.

Orofacial trauma in rural India: A clinical study

PURPOSE

Orofacial trauma is becoming a leading medical problem worldwide. Most of the studies pertaining to orofacial trauma have been done in urban areas but very little scientific literature is available for rural areas.

METHODS

A prospective medical institute-based study of orofacial injury patients was carried out from May 2013 to April 2016 (36 Months). Data regarding incidence, age and sex distribution, causes, types and site of injury, treatment modalities and trauma associated complications were collected and analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 784 patients were studied. Males outnumbered females by a ratio of 2.9:1. Age range was 9 months-75 years with the peak incidence in the age-group of 18-34 years. Most injuries were caused by road-side accidents (72.7%), followed by assault and falls in 11.6% and 8% respectively. Soft tissue injuries and mandibular fractures were the most common type of injuries. Head/neck (50.29%) and limb injuries (27.2%) were the most prevalent associated injuries. Surgical debridement and soft tissue suturing was the most common emergency procedure. Closed reduction was performed in 61% of patients and open reduction and internal fixation in 30% of cases and 9% were managed conservatively. Complications occurred in 6.88% of patients, mainly due to infection and malocclusion. The mean duration of hospital stay was (10.12 ± 6.24) days.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the importance of department of dental surgery along with other disciplinaries in the management of orofacial injuries. Road-side accident remains the major etiological factor of orofacial injuries in our setting.

Maxillofacial Trauma Following Road Accidents and Falls

INTRODUCTION

Motor vehicle accidents (MVA) and falls are major causes of maxillofacial injuries posing real challenges for the medical staff.

PURPOSE

To describe the demographic and injury characteristics, as well as the treatment procedures of casualties diagnosed with maxillofacial injuries.

METHODS

The investigators implemented a multicenter retrospective study composed of hospitalized maxillofacial trauma patients recorded in the Israel Trauma Registry for 2000 to 2011. The predictor variable was mechanism of injury and the outcome variable was type of injury, severity, and hospital resources utilization. Descriptive and bivariate statistics with P values was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

The study included 11,592 reported hospitalized maxillofacial trauma patients (39.4% of them were MVA, 33.5% were falls), with a male predominance of a 3:1 ratio. The high-risk age groups were the first 3 decades of life in both etiologies, while age groups above 75 years were also frequent in falls. Severity of maxillofacial injuries, multiple injuries, admission to intensive care units, hospitalization for more than 15 days, inpatient mortality, and rehabilitation after discharge was significantly higher in MVA compared with falls. Conversely, maxillofacial surgeries were performed slightly more among patients injured in falls (34.1% and 31.1% respectively), as tongue and mouth are more prone targets in falls, compared with zygoma, maxilla, mandible, and teeth in MVA.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that the etiologies present an entire separate pattern of trauma. A better understanding and proper identification of their high-risk groups should lead to appropriate prevention programs and treatment protocols.

Maxillofacial Injuries in Women: A Retrospective Study of 10 Years

INTRODUCTION

Diversities exists in incidence, etiology and epidemiology of facial fractures among male and female individuals due to various reasons. Many of the epidemiological studies published during the millennium have shown male predilection. This study was carried to evaluate the etiology, patterns and distribution of facial fractures among different age groups in women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This Retrospective epidemiological study dealt with a total of 302 women with 422 fractures in maxillofacial region during a period of June 1st 2005 to May 31st 2015 at Mamata Dental College and Hospital, Khammam, Telangana, India.

RESULTS

Mean age of incidence was 31.58 years, mandibular fractures were highest (44.07 %) followed by zygomaticomaxillary complex injuries (ZMC) (20.37 %). Road traffic accidents (RTA) injuries (53.7 %) were highest, followed by assault (23.9 %) and other causes. Highest number (33.8 %) of fractures were sustained in the 3rd decade and least (0.7 %) in the 8th decade of life. Among soft tissue injuries most commonly seen were lacerations (51 %).

CONCLUSION

Results of this study suggest that there is an increase in the number of maxillofacial injuries in women, representing changes in the society, exposing women to similar conditions like men and increased number of working women. This study helps to identify trauma burden, assess the awareness of current preventive measures, women protection laws, for instituting new guidelines for prevention and planning health care services for women.