Pattern and management of palatine bone fractures

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to determine pattern of palatal fractures, review management options and find out other injuries associated with it. This retrospective study was carried out in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar over a period of three years. All the patients having maxillofacial injuries were evaluated for the presence of palatal fractures. Orthopantomogram [OPG] and Para Nasal sinus [PNS] views were advised to each patient. CT scan and 3D CT scan were advised in cases with pan facial trauma and comminuted fractures. All the data were entered in specially designed proforma. A diagnosis of palatal fracture was made after correlating clinical and radiographic signs. The pattern of palatal fractures was determined along with associated facial injuries. A total of 65 cases of palatal fractures were found in this study. Majority of patients [33.8%] were in the 3rd decade of life. Regarding the pattern of fracture, majority [65%] were sagittal fractures. Most of these fractures [54%] occurred with maxillary Le Fort fractures, regarding management, 9% of the cases were treated with open reduction while 81% were managed with closed reduction techniques. Palatal fracture is often overlooked and is a cause of post op malocclusion in trauma patients. Patients with palatal bone fractures were mostly males in their 3rd decade of life. Sagittal fractures were common and the Le Fort fractures were associated with it. Closed reduction was done in most of the cases of palatal bone fractures