Pattern of Maxillofacial Injuries in Road traffic Accident During Covid-19

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to assess the prevalence and pattern of maxillofacial injuries presented at department of oral & maxillofacial surgery (OMFS), Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan during COVID- 19 pandemic. Determining patterns of occurrence of maxillofacial trauma and etiology can improve early diagnosis and treatment, thereby can decrease percentage of morbidity and mortality associated with these fractures. Place and duration; Sample data was collected from Department of OMFS, Mayo hospital, during January 2021 till December 2021. Methodology: (n=263) patients with confirmed diagnosis of maxillofacial trauma participated in this research. Record of all patients including sex, age, cause of road traffic accidents, radiograph, fracture site, vehicle type, use of seat belts/helmets, time to reach the hospital, and other safety devices were reviewed and evaluated. Results: There were (n=299, 57.27%) mandibular, (n=102, 19.50 %) zygomatic, (n=100, 19.10 %) maxillary, (n=12, 2.29 %) nasal, and (n=9, 1.70 %) frontal injuries. Maxillofacial trauma was more prevalent in males (87%) than in females (13%) and was commonly seen in young age groups (21-30 years). Two-wheelers (motorcycle) was the vehicle used in most of the cases reported (68.4 %) and major cause of RTA was inattentiveness to traffic rules (31.9 %). In road traffic accidents, mandible (57.27%) is the most common fractured bone, followed by Zygomatic Bone fracture. Conclusion: It is concluded that maxillofacial injuries in males (20 to 30 years) of age range were more prevalent and are observed mostly in mandibular bones. Although cases reported was less in number when compared to previous data, but pattern of fractured facial bones were more or less same.