Biswajit Banik1, Probhati Purkayastha2
CONTEXT: An accident has been defined as “an unexpected, unplanned occurrence which may involve injury. Accidents represent the major epidemic of non communicable disease in present century. They are no longer considered accidental; they are part of the price we pay for technological progress. The incidence is rising in the small and remote towns of the developing country like India. Maxillofacial fractures are one of the outcomes, and people of small cities are equally prevalent.
AIM: To analyze the epidemiological prevalence of maxillofacial fractures in a small town of India during a period of 1 year. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Prospective epidemiological study.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data on patient’s age, gender, etiological agent, influencing factor and the facial fractures were collected from the charts of the patients treated. The study was carried out 1 st Dec 2009 to 30th Nov 2010.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Qualitative variables were expressed as absolute and relative frequencies, and quantitative variables as means and standard deviation. The Chi-square test was used to evaluate the association between age, gender, etiological agents, traffic accidents and fracture types.
RESULTS: 60 patients presented with maxillofacial injuries, amongst them 85% of men sustained significantly more maxillofacial fractures compared to female (15%) with overall male: female ratio 5.6:1. The most common age group affected was 28-32 years (33%). Road traffic accident was the major causative factor (48%), followed by physical assault (21.6%). 56% were under alcohol influence. Lower third fracture (Mandibular fracture) (63%) was most common, middle third fracture (37%). Parasymphyseal fracture (28.94%), body (23.68%), symphysis (15.78%), angle of mandible (15.78%), ramus (7.89%), condylar (2.63%) and dento alveolar (5.26%). Nasal bone fracture was most common amongst middle third fractures. CONCLUSION: The incidence of maxillofacial injuries is increasing in the small and remote towns of India due to gradual technological development which is comparable to the major cities of India.
