Analysis of maxillofacial injuries spread over one year period in Karachi sample

This descriptive case series study assessed the spectrum of maxillofacial injuries seen at the Emergency Department of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from March 2009 to February 2010. A total of 1295 patients with maxillofacial injuries were included in the study, of whom 875 [67.6%] were male and 420 [32.4%] female. Injuries were most common 340 [26.25%] in first decade. The most common cause was road traffic collision [611] patients and fall was second most common cause [415] patients. The mandible was the most common bone fractured [309] patients, followed by dentoalveolar [142] patients. There were 73 patients with fractured maxilla. Isolated soft tissue injuries occurred in 578 patients most commonly occurring in the lower third of the face. Most of the maxillofacial injuries were received between 1500 and 2100 hrs, [665] and Saturdays were the busiest days with [242] patients. The collection of data over the one from emergency department regarding the maxillofacial fractures including soft tissues injuries helps us how to manage on early basis and also may guide us regarding the time and day of the week which is busiest time of the emergency department

Complications associated with intra oral cortical bone fixation screws for intermaxillary fixation in closed reduction of mandibular fractures

The objects of this study were to determine the rate of complications associated with Intra Cortical Bone Fixation Screws for Inter-maxillary fixation [IMF] and as a possible alternative to Arch-Bars in patients with un-displaced mandibular fractures. A descriptive case series study involving 25 adult patients [age range: 16- 60 years] and requiring intra cortical bone fixation screws IMF was conducted from 1[st] August 2011 to 30[th] April 2012] at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital / Karachi Medical and Dental College [KMDC] Karachi. The sampling technique was non-probability purposive. Clinical examination and radiograph 1-OPG [Ortho-Pentomogram], 2-PA View of Face were taken for confirmation of un-displaced mandibular fractures. Patients with pre-existing mental nerve injury and / or soft tissue infection were excluded from the study. IMF was done with using intra cortical bone fixation screws, patients were followed over 6-weeks period at regular weekly interval. Postoperative frequencies of complication including mental nerve injury and soft tissue infection were recorded at review. Overall complications were in [3] 12% patients. The distribution of the various complications were; soft tissue infection in [1] 4% and mental nerve injury in [2] 8% patients. The high proportion of 12% complications including those related to nerve injury suggests appropriate selection of both the patients and size of Intra oral cortical bone fixation screw [ICBFS] as well as the use of this technique by surgeons having expertise and skills in the technique