Aetiology and pattern of maxillary fractures- a study

ABSTRACT

Maxillary bone is an important component of mid face guarding three vital cavities including oral, nasal and orbital. It plays an important role in aesthetics of a person. Maxillary fractures are very important when it comes to management because posterior and downward displacement of fractured maxilla can lead to airway blockage and death. A prospective study was undertaken to determine the factors leading to and pattern of presentation of isolated maxillary fractures over a period of One year from 4 th October 2006 to 3 rd October 2007 at Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Unit Khyber College of Dentistry Peshawar. The study was carried out on 60 patients with maxillary fractures to identify factors leading to maxillary fractures and to describe the pattern of presentation of maxillary fractures. They were inquired about the factor causing injury and thoroughly examined both clinically and radiologically for pattern of fracture as well as for any other facial bone fracture. The age, gender, factors and pattern of maxillary fracture of the patients were determined. Maxillary fractures occur over age, ranging from 4 years to 70 years with mean age of 28.1 years SD +/- 14.54. Male to female ratio was 13.281. This shows that male patients were predominantly affected. Road traffic accidents [RTA] contributed for 65% of maxillary fractures. Le Fort II was the most common maxillary fracture i.e 45%, followed by Le fort I 26.7%, while Le Fort III was the least common 11.7% and no isolated palatal split was found. The maxillary Le Fort II fractures are the most common fractures in Peshawar. Such injuries are resulted mostly because of Road Traffic Accidents. Implementation of strict Road traffic legislations are important to prevent such injuries