Comparison of epidemiologic characteristics of maxillofacial fractures between two maxillofacial units
Date
2016-03-04
Authors
Mogajane, Brampie Mpumpile
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Abstract
Aim: The aim of this prospective study was to compare epidemiologic characteristics of maxillofacial fractures between Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) and
Polokwane–Mankweng Hospital Complex (PMHC).
Objective: To compare the patterns; aetiologies and incidences of maxillofacial fractures in patients of all ages between the two units.
Materials and Methods: We present a prospective study of 194 patients with 226 maxillofacial fractures reported and treated between CMJH and PMHC from December 2013 to August 2014. These patients were clinically and radiographically assessed by registrars and a consultant in both units. Variables recorded included Patient’s age; file number; sex; socioeconomic status; population group; aetiology; time of injury; identity ( whether known or unknown ) of assailant; the site of the fracture and associated injuries.
Results: Of the 194 total patients from both units, 159(82.0%) patients were males and 35(18.0%) patients were females, giving overall male to female ratio of 4.54:1. The minimum age was (2) two years and the maximum age was 61 years. In both males and females, the majority (75%) of patients were in the age group of 20-39 years with a peak frequency in the 3rd decade. The overall mean age was 30.6 (10.02). Assaults were by far the leading cause of maxillofacial fractures from our study accounting for 60.3% fractures of the total study population, followed by road traffic accidents accounting for 17.5%. Road traffic accidents accounted for 22.7% maxillofacial fractures in PMHC, a rate higher than CMJAH (14.8%) and overall rate (17.5%). Sport injuries accounted for more (6.1%) maxillofacial fractures in PMHC than CMJH (0.8%). In total, 127(65.8%) patients sustained maxillofacial fractures during the night and 66(34.2%) patients during the day. The mandible was the most frequently fractured facial bone (73.0%), followed by the zygoma. The angle of the mandible was the most common fractured site (35.0%).
Conclusion: Interpersonal violence is by far the leading cause of maxillofacial fractures in South Africa. Prevailing factors like socioeconomic status of patient; industrialisation and geographic location have somewhat influenced the characteristics of maxillofacial fractures in the two units.
Description
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Dentistry in the branch of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery.
Johannesburg, 2015