Maxillofacial injuries and dental trauma in patients aged 19-80 years, Recife, Brazil

AbstractAimA retrospective study was undertaken to assess causes of maxillofacial trauma in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.MethodA review of 186 patients with maxillofacial injuries aged 19 and 83 years old seen and treated at the Hospital da Restauração between January and December 2006 was conducted and were analyzed according to age, sex, etiology, site of fracture, dentoalveolar trauma and alcohol abuse. Analysis was made in Epi Info using the Chi-square and Fisher's Exact Tests.ResultsIt was found that maxillofacial injuries were most frequent in males (89.2%) and in the 19–28 year age group (46.8%). Traffic accidents/motorcycle (23.7%) and physical violence (20.4%) were the most common etiological factor. Facial fractures were detected in 90.9% and a statistically significant difference between sex and facial fracture was found (p = 0.000). The most common facial fracture was maxilla (29.1%), followed by the mandible (27.5%). A positive association between the presence of facial fracture and alcohol consumption was observed (p = 0.002). Dentoalveolar trauma was present in 7.5% of patients.ConclusionThe incidence of facial fractures in Brazilian population is similar than previously reported elsewhere. There were most common in male patients, mainly due to traffic accidents/motorcycle and physical violence