Maxillofacial Injuries Related to Road Traffic Accidents: A Five Year Multi Center Analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the epidemiological data on maxillofacial injuries related to road traffic accidents from two multispecialty medical centers in India, and then evaluate their incidence and pattern. Data were extracted from the medical records of all road traffic accident victims with maxillofacial injuries who reported to the centers between January 2013 and December 2017. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis; significance was set at p < 0.05. Out of 1,110 patients, highest incidence of injuries was observed in the males of age group 20 to 29 years with mean age of 25.95 years (standard deviation, 9.35 years). Head injury, laceration, and tooth luxation were the most common forms of associated injuries. The use of protective helmets and seatbelts was extremely low which was associated to higher risk of facial bone fractures. Violation of traffic rules was the most common etiology behind these accidents. These findings were statistically significant ( p < 0.05). The ever increasing incidence of maxillofacial injuries related to road traffic accidents suggests the need to deal with them promptly and wisely. Keeping an update on the changing pattern of these injuries by continuous recording and periodic evaluation of epidemiological data is helpful in the primary prevention of trauma by evolving a better trauma care program and effective treatment protocol focused on the target groups. The updated data can guide treating physicians in anticipating and diagnosing maxillofacial injuries.