Frequency of Maxillofacial Trauma in Patients Reporting to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the epidemiology and primary etiology of maxillofacial fractures and to correlate these factors to identify the main patient categories affected by various traumatic etiologies.

METHODOLOGY

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan, from 21 July 2023 to 30 April 2024. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board, and informed consent was acquired from all participants. Patients of all ages and sexes who presented with maxillofacial trauma were included. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and clinical examination, and the analyses were performed using R statistical software.

RESULTS
A total of 137 patients were included, with a greater prevalence of maxillofacial fractures among males (68.61%) and individuals aged 18-30 (67.88%). Road traffic accidents were the most common cause of injury (35.04%). Females were more likely to be involved in assaults (χ² = 18.614, p = 0.00033). The chi-square tests and one-way ANOVA showed no significant differences in BMI, duration of complaints, or age based on the laceration site or mechanism of injury.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the high incidence of maxillofacial fractures among young adults, primarily due to road traffic accidents and interpersonal violence. The findings underscore the need for preventive strategies, better traffic regulations, and targeted education to reduce the incidence of these injuries.