RESUMO
Objectives: To determine the causes of maxillofacial injuries in patients reporting at Dental outpatient department of Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad
Methodology: This descriptive study was carried out from January 2014 to December 2015, at the outpatient department of Oral Surgery. Data relating to 136 patients of maxillofacial trauma was collected. The causes of trauma were asked from the patients and attendants. The diagnosis of the maxillofacial trauma was done on the basis of history, clinical findings and with the help of appropriate radiographs. All the relevant information was recorded in structured Proforma
Results: Most prevalent age of trauma was 21-30 years, male [n= 104, 76%] outnumbered the female [n=32, 24%] with ratio of 3:1.The commonest cause of maxillofacial fractures was found to be Road Traffic Accidents [RTA] in 59[43.4%] cases, followed by assault 44[32.4%], fall injuries 12[8.8%], sports injuries 11[8%] and gun shot and others in 10[7.4%]
Conclusion: Road Traffic Accidents, in this part of the country, are the most common cause of maxillofacial fractures. Vehicle's poor condition, heavy traffic load and poor condition of roads are major contributing factors. There is a clear need of continues awareness of road user about the traffic rules, road safety and compulsory seat belt for four wheel vehicle passengers and helmet legislation for front as well as back seat motorcycle passengers