Craniomaxillofacial injuries in the United Arab Emirates: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: To analyze craniomaxillofacial injuries in selected hospitals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of craniomaxillofacial injuries treated in 3 major hospitals in the UAE. Patient files were retrieved, reviewed, and analyzed. The main analysis outcome measures were the patients' name, age, and gender and the injuries' time, site, type, treatment and outcome.

RESULTS: A total of 288 patients sustained 475 craniomaxillofacial injuries; road traffic accidents caused the majority of injuries. The patients ranged in age from 2 to 82 years (mean, 27.3 years), and the male-to-female ratio was 7:1. The yearly distribution of fractures peaked during 2001, and the monthly distribution peaked in January. The greatest number (41%) of patients were UAE nationals. Most patients (70.5%) had mandibular fractures, and the most common site was the body. There were 139 patients (48.3%) with a total of 171 midface fractures (36%); the most common fracture site was the zygomatic complex (29.8%). The most common treatment for jaw fractures was plating plus intermaxillary fixation. Stable zygomatic complex fractures were closely reduced (elevated), and unstable ones were treated by internal fixation. About 25% of the cases had 1 or more postoperative complication.

CONCLUSIONS: Craniomaxillofacial injuries in the UAE included in this study are somewhat similar to those reported in other countries. Differences from other countries are probably related to factors peculiar to the UAE, such as climate, social trends, and the cosmopolitan population.