Survey on jaw fractures occurring due to domestic violence against women

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Violence against women has become a public health problem, and the dentist is the main responsible for the treatment of their victims, since numerous cases with a high incidence of impaired maxillomandibular complex occurred. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and evolution of jaw fractures in woman due to domestic violence. Material and methods: The medical files from the Hospital and Maternity of São José dos Pinhais/PR (HMSJP) was searched for female patients diagnosed with jaw fractures caused by trauma, considering the aggressor and the prevalence in the period from January 2001 to May 2003. Results: There were 23 women with jaw fractures, aged from 15 to 43 years. Nasal fractures were the most prevalent, followed by the zygomatic complex and mandible fractures. The husbands were the main responsible for the attacks. The fractures treated by reduction had satisfactory bone consolidation. Conclusion: Patients with jaw fractures had favorable bone consolidation after being submitted to surgical treatment. Nasal fractures were the most prevalent type and the husband was most responsible for the attacks.