A Study on Traumatic Faciomaxillary Fractures Encountered at a Tertiary Care Centre of North-Eastern India

Introduction Faciomaxillary fractures can present either as an isolated injury or as a part of polytrauma. The incidence of faciomaxillary injuries is on the incline with changing lifestyles in developing countries like India; thus posing as a major health burden. We conducted this study to aid in defining strategies to prevent and tackle the same. Materials and Methods A Prospective Observational study was conducted on all the patients admitted for traumatic faciomaxillary fractures in the Department of ENT for a period of three years. Aim of the study was to study the incidence, demography, pattern, management and postoperative complications in traumatic faciomaxillary fractures. Result Out of 499 cases who comprised our study group, the most common fracture encountered was of nasal bone(26.25%) with male predominance (86.37%), mostly scattered in the age group of 18-40 yrs (67.13%). RTA was found to be the most common cause (52.1%). Fractures of lateral third of face and mandible almost always needed an open reduction. Discussion The age and gender distribution pattern as well as the cause of faciomaxillary fractures and complications have been compared with the published reports. The central third of the facial skeleton has been found to be affected most in traumatic fractures, whereas some other studies found fracture of the mandible to be the most common. Open reduction was needed in 44.9% of patients. Conclusion With increasing incidence of RTAs, there is a need to understand the pattern, review our management techniques and hence be able to provide appropriate and individualized management to those in need of it.