Vi. Ugboko et al., MAXILLOFACIAL FRACTURES IN A SEMIURBAN NIGERIAN TEACHING HOSPITAL - AREVIEW OF 442 CASES, International journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery, 27(4), 1998, pp. 286-289
A retrospective review of 442 patients, seen by one maxillofacial unit
over a twelve-year period, is presented. Data concerning the patients
' demographics and the aetiology: pattern. treatment and complications
of the fractures were obtained and evaluated. Approximately 72% of th
e patients sustained fractures from road traffic accidents and 39% of
the fractures occurred in the 21-30-year range. There was a male prepo
nderence and 8% of all cases had postoperative infections, Over 20% of
the patients sustained associated body injuries and only one-third re
ported for treatment within 24 hours of injury. Road traffic accidents
continue to be the leading cause of maxillofacial fractures. The late
presentation for treatment appears to be related to the rural and sem
iurban dwelling of the patients and the attendant transportation and e
conomic difficulties.