Outcome measurement of the treatment of maxillary fractures: a prospectiveanalysis of 100 consecutive cases

We performed a prospective study of 100 consecutive patients presenting to our unit with complex maxillary fractures. Fracture severity was assessed a ccording to the alpha-numeric scoring system of Cooter and David and correl ated with outcome. Regional maxillary and total fracture scores demonstrate d a positive correlation with complication rates, with correlation coeffici ents of 0.89 and 0.98 respectively. Ocular and orbital complications were m ost commonly seen with these complex injuries, but occlusal problems were m uch less common. Despite close consultant-led supervision in a specialised centre, these injuries frequently result in long term problems. (C) 1999 Th e British Association of Plastic Surgeons.