An overview of maxillofacial trauma in a tertiary oral and maxillofacial trauma centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Abstract

Objective: The aims of this study were to provide an overview of maxillofacial trauma, relationships of patient's demographic data and alcohol consumption within the Sabah state. Methods: A retrospective study of maxillofacial trauma cases treated at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2013. Total of 630 maxillofacial trauma cases were included. Details of the trauma were collected from patients’ record, which including cause of injuries, injuries suffered, treatment indications and treatment received. Patients’ demographic data, alcohol consumption in relation to causes and type of maxillofacial injury were analysed. Results: There were 538 males (85.4%) and 92 females (14.6%) patients, with a mean age of 31.0 years. Most common causes of maxillofacial injury were motor vehicle accident (MVA) 66.3%, followed by fall 12.4% and assault 11.6%. Motorcyclists made up more than half of the total cases (53.1%). Cases referred were primarily due to soft tissue injury (458 cases). Other cases were dentoalveolar and maxillofacial bones fracture. Treatment provided for the fractures included open reduction internal fixation 22.9%, closed reduction (28.7%) and conservative management (48.4%). Toilet and suturing were done for all patients with soft tissue injury. Conclusions: Maxillofacial trauma is a major problem in Sabah. It affects mostly males in the age group of 21–30 years. Most of the MVA patients were motorcyclists. Mandibular fracture, with parasymphysis involvement recorded the highest number. Most of the patients preferred conservative management, probably due to financial and logistic issue.