Research Paper Title

Maxillofacial Fracture Patterns in Military Casualties.

Background

Morbidity and death after facial trauma are substantial issues of concern both in civilians and in military personnel.

This cross-sectional retrospective study sought to assess the prevalence, pattern, treatment, and complications of soft and hard tissue injuries of the face in military personnel from 2012 to 2018.

Methods

This cross-sectional, retrospective, chart study analysed the descriptive statistics of 591 patients by use of Microsoft Excel software (version 2013; Microsoft, Redmond, WA); the researchers assessed military casualties treated at their hospital from 2012 to 2018.

All military personnel were documented in our trauma registry.

The patient records were studied, and information relating to patients’ injuries was documented and assessed after compilation of patient data.

This study was approved by the local institutional review board; the causes and complications of maxillofacial (MF) trauma were assessed.

Statistical analysis was done. This study used descriptive statistics based on a total of 591 patients and Microsoft Excel software (version 2013).

Results

Among maxillofacial (MF) fractures, midface fractures (49%) were most prevalent, followed by lower face fractures (43%) and upper face fractures (24%).

The most common cause of injury was explosives (58%).

The most frequent site of fracture in the mandible was the angle region, followed by the mandibular body and condyle.

Nasal fractures were seen in 44% of midface fractures.

The most commonly used technique for treatment was open reduction-internal fixation, which was used in 89% of patients.

Conclusions

The pattern of MF injuries and the treatment modalities used to treat these patients showed that the most frequent type of injury was midface fracture and most patients were treated by open reduction-internal fixation.

Reference

Norozy, A., Motamedi, M.H.K., Ebrahimi, A. & Khoshmohabat, H. (2020) Maxillofacial Fracture Patterns in Military Casualties. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 78(4), pp.611.e1-611.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2019.06.191. Epub 2019 Jul 5.