Maxillofacial trauma due to road traffic accidents in Benin City, Nigeria: a prospective study

Background: The incidence and causes of road traffic accidents (RTAs) vary with geographical location. The economic and social costs of RTAs are enormous. The knowledge of aetiologic factors and associated injury patterns may be important in planning for prevention and treatment. The aim of this study was to document the aetiological factors and the frequency of maxillofacial injuries due to RTAs. Methods: Over a six-month period, 312 patients with facial trauma due to RTAs were prospectively studied. The demographic parameters, the cause of the RTA, the vehicle type, the use of seat belts, helmets, and other safety devices were recorded. Distribution of maxillofacial bone and soft tissue injuries by vehicle type as well as associated injuries were documented. Results: The minibus was the vehicle type most often involved (36.2%) and tyre blowout (21.2%) was identified as the most common contributory factor. Males 117 (37.5%) in the 21 – 30 year- age range were most often involved. The forehead was most often the site of soft tissue injury (37.3%) while the mandible was the facial bone most often fractured (29.2%). Head injury (55.8%) was the commonest associated injury. Conclusion: The low utilization of safety devices like seat belts and air bags as well as the absence and non-enforcement of road traffic legislation were identified as aetiological factors. Keywords: Aetiologic factors, maxillofacial trauma, road traffic accidents Annals of African Medicine Vol.2(2) 2003: 58-6