[Treatment options and common problems in patients with maxillofacial trauma].

BACKGROUND

The approach and type of management along with the common complications in maxillofacial trauma were evaluated in this study.

METHODS

Medical records of 602 patients (486 males; 116 females; mean age 28,4+/-15,2; range 1 to 80 years) with maxillofacial fractures, admitted to the Department of Otolaryngology between 1992 and 2004, were evaluated in this study. Maxillofacial fracture was diagnosed by clinical and radiological findings. Sex and age distribution of patients, etiology of trauma, localization of the fractures, treatment modalities, time to treatment after the trauma and postoperative complications were recorded.

RESULTS

There were 257 (42,7%) mandible, 156 (25,9%) nose, 66 (11%) maxillary, 34 (5,6%) zygoma, 32 (5,3%) multiple facial, 29 (4,8%) blow-out and 28 (4,7%) frontal sinus fractures. While 256 (43%) patients underwent closed reduction, 346 (57%) patients were treated by open reduction. Postoperative complications were seen in 8,3% (51) of patients.

CONCLUSION

Although associated with some complications, open reduction and miniplate fixation should be the preferred treatment option, since it provides a powerful fixation, is easy to perform, and has better esthetic and cosmetic results.