Quantifying Maxillofacial Traumatic Injury for Holistic Management.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The maxillofacial region serves many essential functions of human body. Maxillofacial traumatic injury (MFTI) or sometimes called as facial trauma is the injury to the face, jaws and related structures such as head. Hard tissue / soft tissue injury may range from simple nasal bone fracture to gross facial comminution. The complex maxillofacial trauma has the potential to cause facial disfigurement and difficulty in jaw movement. This study focused on relationship between existing scoring systems as the clinical assessment for MFTI, as a tool for predicting prognosis, morbidity, social and psychological impact. Materials and Method: Data collection included demographics, etiology, MFTI clinical parameters, treatment and psychosocial loss. Data was obtained from the medical records, patient interview at each hospital visit and telephonic interviews as required. A predefined question was prepared containing closed and open ended questions and published scales. Results and conclusion: Mandibular fractures were observed in 69% MFTI cases of which 50% were mandibular only fractures. Need for holistic treatment and management approach was observed. Existing widely used FISS score was found to be predictor for few of the parameters only. Other factors required for holistic treatment approach and planning not predictable by FISS score have also been identified.