Etiology and patterns of facial lacerations and their possible association with underlying maxillofacial fractures.

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to analyze the etiology and patterns of soft-tissue facial lacerations associated with maxillofacial fractures and to identify associations between facial lacerations and underlying fractures.

METHODS

Of 1960 patients who had been admitted for maxillofacial fractures between 2001 and 2010, only patients with complete clinical records presenting with facial lacerations were considered for this study. Facial lacerations were classified according to the MCFONTZL system.

RESULTS

Of the 1960 patients admitted with maxillofacial fractures, 637 had 836 associated facial lacerations. Motor vehicle accidents and falls were responsible for most injuries to patients with facial lacerations. According to etiology, fractures resulting from work-related accidents more frequently produced associated lacerations.For all causes of injury, more facial lacerations were observed over the "T" area formed by the upper orbit and forehead, nose, upper and lower lips, and chin. Lacerations and maxillofacial fractures were more frequently localized to the middle third of the face, followed by the inferior third.There was a strong association between lacerations and fractures in the chin region, considering both symphyseal and parasymphyseal fractures (direct trauma) and condylar fractures (indirect trauma).

CONCLUSIONS

An association between facial lacerations and underlying maxillofacial fractures was observed, particularly in the inferior orbital area and over the zygoma, mandible, and chin.