Cranio-Facial Trauma In Kaduna, Nigeria: A Review

Maxillo facial trauma is often associated with head trauma and airway problems, which may be life threatening. Road traffic accidents and increased level of violence in the society have been identified as factors contributing to the incidence of facial trauma. A retrospective review of all cranio facial trauma cases seen and managed at the maxillofacial unit of the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, Nigeria over a ten year period (1992 – 2003) was undertaken. The aim was to determine the types and causes of facial trauma and review their management. Data evaluated included the date and year of presentation, age and gender of patient, type, site and cause of trauma, treatment given and complication. One thousand five hundred (1,500) patients presented with various forms of facial trauma within the study period. One thousand one hundred and fifteen (74.5%) were males and 385 (25.5%) females (M:F = 3:1). Trauma resulted from road traffic accidents (82.7%), falls from heights (6.7%), gunshots (4.5%), fights (3.3%), industrial accidents (2.0%) and sporting injuries (0.82%). Some 950 patients presented with extensive soft tissue injuries, 240 with moderate injuries while 310 had minor lacerations. There were 942 fractured mandibles, 620 fractured maxillae, 286 zygomatic complex fractures, 142 nasal septal fractures, 15 orbital blowout fractures and 6 basal skull fractures. Facial trauma was commoner at weekends and festive periods and among the 21-30 year age group. Road traffic accidents constituted the single most common cause of craniofacial trauma seen at the centre. The mandibles were more likely to be fractured during trauma to the face. Young adult males were most at risk of sustaining facial trauma and peak trauma periods were weekends and festive periods. Keywords: Cranio-Facial Trauma, KadunaAnnals of Biomedical Sciences Vol. 6 (1) 2007: pp. 1-