Background: The epidemiology of facial injuries varies based on lifestyle, cultural background and socioeconomic status in different countries and geographic zones. Facial fractures can lead to significant functional and aesthetic sequelae if treated improperly. Thus, knowledge of mandibular fracture epidemiology is important to guide the preventive efforts of the Egyptian health care system.
Aim: The aim of this study was to review the patterns of facial fractures among patients treated in the Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University.
Methods: Patients treated at General anesthesia Units, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University during a three years period (between 2016 and 2018) were retrospectively evaluated regarding age, gender, etiology, number of fractures pattern of fractures, and treatment methods.
Results: A total of 324 patients were treated during that period, 85% of them were males and 15% females. Most common age was the 3rd decade and the least was the 7th. Road traffic accidents RTA was the most common etiology, followed by falls, assaults, and the least was animal hits and iatrogenic accidents. Most common fracture site was Parasymphysial, followed by angle, sub condylar, body, zygomatico-maxillary complex ZMC, Le Fort, orbital floor, and zygomatic arch respectively. 72% of fractures were treated by open reduction & internal fixation ORIF while only 28% were treated by closed reduction.
Conclusion: RTAs are the most common cause of facial fracture among Cairo population; rules should be more strict regarding safety measures especially among Toktok and motorcycle drivers. The high number of patients treated in the faculty of dentistry hospital in spite of the presence of just two operation rooms , and the fact that most of the patients were treated by ORIF indicates that Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department staff members are active and well trained.