A Retrospective Analysis of Maxillofacial Fractures in Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Care Hospital in Guwahati, Assam, India

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Maxillofacial fractures are a frequently encountered trauma in tertiary care hospitals. This study aims to provide a two year retrospective analysis of maxillofacial fractures in patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Guwahati, Assam, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was conducted in the Department of Plastic Surgery, Gauhati Medical College, Guwahati, Assam. The sample consisted of 62 patients admitted in the department from 1st August 2014 to 31st July 2016. Age, gender, etiology, site of fracture and treatment given to them are the parameters evaluated. RESULTS The maxillofacial fractures were observed in the age group ranging from 5-50 years with peak incidence in 21-30 years age group with males outnumbering females. Road traffic accident was the most common cause for maxillofacial fractures. Mandibular fractures were the most common injuries. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with miniplate was the most widespread treatment modality used but maxillo-mandibular fixation (MMF) and conservative management of the fractured bones were also tried. CONCLUSION Road traffic accident was the most common cause for maxillofacial fractures. Periodic review of driving skills and stricter implementation of traffic rules is a must to minimize the incidents of maxillofacial fractures.