Maxillofacial injuries in Calabar south-south, Nigeria: a 5 year study of jawbone fractures.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to highlight the overall uniqueness of the pattern of presentation of maxillofacial injuries seen at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar south-south Nigeria between January 2000 and December 2004 and to share our experience in terms of occurrence, seasonal fluctuations and the adequacy of treatment methods in our environment.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Case notes of all. the 200 maxillofacial trauma patients were retrieved, examined and analyzed with regards to age, gender and cause of injury, socio-demographic data, diagnosis, pattern of presentation, distribution and treatment.

RESULTS

A male-to-female ratio of 3.65:1 was obtained. Out of the 200 patients the highest incidence of injury was in the 20-30 year age group 85 (n=85; 42.5%). The major causes of injuries were motorcycle (n=74; 37%), vehicle (n=62; 31.5%) and assault (n=40; 20%). Six (3%) river-related or boat accidents were recorded. Industrial and sports related accidents contributed the least (n=5; 2.5%).

CONCLUSION

Road traffic accident had the highest proportion of the entire maxillofacial injuries with more males affected than females. Seasonal distribution showed a bimodal peak variation of May-June and September-January. This paper calls for the reinforcement of measures for the prevention of automobile accident and the establishment of more maxillofacial specialist centers with modern equipment for effective management of maxillofacial injuries.