INCIDENCE AND PATTERN OF MAXILLOFACIAL INJURIES ASSOCIATED WITH HEAD TRAUMA: A CLINICAL CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Because of the close anatomical relationship between the cranium and the facial skeleton, maxillofacial trauma often coexists with head injuries. Comprehending this correlation is essential for timely diagnosis, interdisciplinary care, and averting potentially fatal consequences. The purpose of the current study was to ascertain the frequency and distribution of maxillofacial fractures linked to head trauma in trauma patients who arrived at a tertiary care facility.

METHODS: Over the course of a year, 200 trauma cases at the LUMHS civil hospital neurosurgery & maxillofacial surgery ward were the subject of a descriptive cross-sectional study. Structured clinical records were used to gather information on demographics, the type of head injury, and the type of facial fracture, the trauma's etiology, and the length of hospital stay. SPSS version 28 was used to apply statistical analyses, such as logistic regression, ANOVA, chi-square, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value < 0.05.

 RESULTS: The most common bone fractures were frontal (39%) and nasal (25%) and mandibular (18%). The presence of head injury and fracture type were significantly correlated (χ² = 21.3, p = 0.012). The most frequent intracranial pathology was cerebral contusion (51.5%), and its occurrence was significantly predicted by frontal bone fracture (OR = 2.81; p = 0.003). The majority of injuries (70.1%) were caused by trauma related to firearms, which was significantly different from the global trend of traffic accidents (F = 6.77; p < 0.001). Panfacial fractures and Le Fort hospital stays were significantly longer (H = 14.9; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION: Intracerebral injuries are closely associated with maxillofacial fractures, especially those of the frontal and midfacial regions. Targeted preventive and policy measures are necessary due to the high percentage of trauma related to firearms, which indicates a clear regional pattern. For all upper and midfacial fractures, routine neuroimaging and multidisciplinary evaluation are advised in order to guarantee early identification and the best possible treatment of concurrent head injuries.