Epidemiology of maxillofacial injuries at a regional hospital in Goiania, Brazil, between 2008 and 2010

Resumo

Introduction and objective: Facial lesions assume an outstanding role
in the attendance of polytraumatized patients in hospital emergency
services. The aim of this study was to conduct and epidemiologic
study of patients attended at the Buccomaxillofacial Surgery and
Traumatology Service of a regional hospital in Goiania/GO, Brazil,
between 2008 and 2010. Material and methods: 521 files of patients,
who had suffered maxillofacial traumatisms that resulted in a total of
615 fractures, were evaluated. The files were used to analyze gender,
age, etiologic agents and distribution of fractured bones. Results: About
80% of patients were male, whereas 20% of the affected individuals
were women. The most frequently etiologic factor found in the two
groups was automobile accidents, followed by physical aggressions
and falls. Concerning to fractured bones, the zygomatic complex,
followed by fractures of the mandible, the nasal bones themselves,
condyle and Le Fort type fractures were the most prevalent ones, in
both groups. Conclusion: Knowledge of the incidence and etiology of maxillofacial fractures is of great importance to the professionals
involved in the treatment of these patients. Within this context,
Buccomaxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology is increasingly being
affirmed as one of the most important specialties at the emergency
centers of regional hospitals concerning to the treatment of patients
who are victims of traumatisms.