EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND DIAGNOSIS ASPECTS OF FACIAL SMASH

Abstract

Introduction : Facial smashes are violent traumas occurring on the face and leading to lesions with functional, aesthetic and even cerebral complications. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological and diagnostic aspects of these fractures. Material and method : It is an epidemiological, descriptive, retrospective, monocentric, non-exhaustive, non-representative study carried out from the files of patients with Facial smashes, between April 2018 to March 2021 in the maxillofacial surgery department of Owendo. The sources of information were departmental records, patient files and radiographic images. All patients with fractures in at least two levels of the face were included, all patients with fractures in only one level of the face were excluded, and all patients with incomplete records were not included. The Sex, the age, the etiology, the clinical and radiological signs were analysed. Results : 15 cases were selected. The sex ratio was 14 men to 1 woman. The average age was 30, 53 ± 7.26 years. MVA predominated in 11 patients. The limitation of the mouth opening was found in 14 cases and periorbital ecchymosis in 13 cases. CT scan was the most frequently used examination. Fractures on the middle and lower levels were the most frequent. Conclusion : It’s a serious lesion of interest to young subjects. CT scan is the first line morphological examination.