ABSTRACT
AIM: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of maxillofacial fractures and associated fractures in patients seen in the Oral Surgery Unit of Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda. METHODOLOGY: A six-month prospective study was conducted. Data collected included socio-demographic factors, type and etiology of injury, additional fractures, and post-surgery complications. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-two (132) cases ranging from 5-70 yrs of age were reported, with a male: female ratio of 7.7:1. The 21-30 yr age group was the largest, comprising 51.51 percent of cases (n=68). Road traffic accidents contributed to 56.06 percent (n=74) of fractures. In total, 66 percent of the sample (n=87) suffered isolated mandibular fractures. Symphyseal and maxillary fractures were the most common mandibular and mid-facial fractures, respectively. Among associated fractures, the femur was most affected. A total of 39 (29.54 percent) of patients had post-operative complications, of which infection accounted for 48.71 percent (n= 19), and malocclusion accounted for 17.94 percent (n=7). CONCLUSIONS: Anticipated changes in maxillofacial trauma trends necessitate regular epidemiologic studies of facial fractures to allow for development and implementation of timely novel preventive measures.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Fractures, Bone/epidemiology , Maxillofacial Injuries/epidemiology , Fractures, Bone/etiology , Fractures, Bone/surgery , Maxillofacial Injuries/etiology , Maxillofacial Injuries/surgery , Prospective Studies , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Socioeconomic Factors , Uganda/epidemiology , Young AdultABSTRACT
During the period between January 1996 and July 1999; a total of 378 patients with Jaw fractures was treated at the Department of Oral Surgery; Mulago Hospital. The male to female ratio was 4.6:1. The mean age was 25.4 years with a peak age group between 21-30 years. The commonest cause of Jaw fractures was Road Traffic Accident (62) followed by assault (25) the least was sports (0.8). The alveolar bone fractured most frequently (29) followed by the body (27) and the least fracture type was le forte III. (0.3). The most used method of treatment was closed reduction (nintermaxilllary fixation - IMF ) 51). Only 0.3of patients were treated by internal fixation (manipulates and screw)