Role of advanced CT Scan and management of maxillofacial trauma at tertiary care hospital in Taif Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Find out the role of advanced CT-Scan information at early stage for optimal care and early recovery of polytrauma patients and to compare causes and pattern of maxillofacial injuries to similar studies. A retrospective study was carried out at King Abdul Aziz Specialist Hospital-Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by reviewing files, radiographs and CT- scans of 78 patients treated during two years [Jan.2003- Jan.2005]. Data regarding age, cause of fracture, anatomic site, treatment modalities and clinical results were reviewed Male to female ratio was 77% and 23% respectively and age group of 21y to 30y [69%] were predominantly involved in maxillofacial injuries. Cause of trauma in all patients was road traffic accidents and no one was alcoholic. Majority of patients [66.6%] were drivers and 61% had polytrauma with severe facial injuries. Surgical interventions were needed in 97.5% of patients and were managed by open reduction and internal fixation [ORIF] with plates and screws. Mean delay between admission to hospital and surgery was 6 days. There were 14% complications in total, 6.4% as plate removal, 5% enophthalmoses and 2.5% Malocclusion.. Severely injured patients had more complications. Causes and incidence of maxillofacial injuries vary from one country to another. ORIF by screws and plates is a standard of care for maxillofacial fractures. Advanced CT-scan and 3-D information at early stage facilitate team work by neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons and maxillofacial surgeons and play an important role in optimal care and early recovery of poly trauma patients