Survey on jaw fractures occurring due to domestic violence against women

Resumo

Violence against women has become a public health
problem, and the dentist is the main responsible for the treatment
of their victims, since numerous cases with a high incidence of
impaired maxillomandibular complex occurred. Objective: The aim
of this study was to analyze the prevalence and evolution of jaw
fractures in woman due to domestic violence. Material and methods:
The medical files from the Hospital and Maternity of São José dos
Pinhais/PR (HMSJP) was searched for female patients diagnosed
with jaw fractures caused by trauma, considering the aggressor
and the prevalence in the period from January 2001 to May 2003.
Results: There were 23 women with jaw fractures, aged from 15 to
43 years. Nasal fractures were the most prevalent, followed by the
zygomatic complex and mandible fractures. The husbands were the
main responsible for the attacks. The fractures treated by reduction
had satisfactory bone consolidation. Conclusion: Patients with jaw
fractures had favorable bone consolidation after being submitted to
surgical treatment. Nasal fractures were the most prevalent type and
the husband was most responsible for the attacks.