Epidemiology of maxillofacial trauma, surgically treated in the emergency hospital public assistance: 3 years of revision

Abstract

Introduction: Maxillofacial trauma (MFT) is a relevant problem in highly complex hospital centers. Aim: To show and update the epidemiology of the maxillofacial trauma of surgical resolution under general anesthesia, in a major operating room, treated in the Emergency Hospital Public Assistance during the period from December 2014 to December 2017 and to compare it with the epidemiological reality of other high complexity hospital centers in Chile and abroad. Materials and Method: A retrospective study was carried out and the surgical protocols of the patients operated for maxillofacial trauma, in a major operating room, under general anesthesia, in a period of 37 months, were analyzed. The variables considered were diagnosis, age, gender, facial third and affected anatomic area. Results: 127 surgical procedures were performed, for the resolution of 259 fractures. The average age of the operated patients was 33 years, with predominance of the male gender (85.8%), the lower third was the most affected (77.2%), specifically in the parasymphysis area (22.4%). Discussion: The exposed results agree with studies carried out internationally, but it has discordance in relation to the most affected anatomical area at national level comparing it with the other hospitals that analyzed its epidemiology. Conclusion: It is necessary to continue the epidemiological investigation of these pathologies and to unify diagnostic and treatment criteria in order to establish efficient prevention and treatment policies in relation to each service and jointly at the level of public health.