Injury severity in patients with facial fractures and concomitant injuries

Abstract

Introduction : Facial fractures in combination with other serious injuries occur in a significant proportion of trauma patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate injury severity and its determinants in facial fracture patients presenting with associated injuries. Patient and Methods : a retrospective study was carried out in 110 patients, in a university hospital in Burkina Faso. Results : Two-wheel motor vehicle collisions were by far the main aetiology. Cranial injuries and limb fractures were the most common associated injuries. The injury severity score (ISS) ranged between 5 and 75 (mean 11.1, SD 8.3). Severe injury, defined as ISS above 15, was recorded in 13.6% of the patients. Death was recorded in two patients, giving a mortality rate of 1.8%. There was a statistically significant association between the ISS and multiple facial fractures (p = 0.001). Discussion : Given the retrospective character and the limited sample size of this study, the IS and its determinants could have been underestimated. However this work provides knowledge on the IS in patients presenting with facial fractures and concomitant injuries, in Burkina Faso. The findings of this study indicate the need for special attention in patients presenting with multiple facial fractures in the emergency room.