Epidemiological analysis of maxillofacial fractures treated at a university hospital, Xinjiang, China: A 5-year retrospective study

Purpose: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of maxillofacial fractures treated at a university hospital, Xinjiang, China over a 5-year period. Patients and methods: Between 2006 and 2010, a total of 1350 patients with maxillofacial fractures were reviewed retrospectively. The data collected included demographics, aetiology, site of fracture, time regarding injuries, presence of associated injuries, treatment modalities, and complications. Results: A total of 1860 maxillofacial fractures were seen in 1350 patients with a male to female ratio of 4.9:1. The most common aetiology of the fractures was motor vehicle accident, followed by interpersonal violence. The age group 21-30 years accounted for the largest subgroup in both sexes. The mandible was the most common site of fracture followed by the zygoma. Associated injuries were found in 48.3% of patients, with a prevalence of intracranial injuries (37.0%). Majority of fractures were treated with open reduction (62.4%), and 7.2% of patients presented post-operative complications. Conclusion: Road traffic accident is the most common cause of maxillofacial fractures in China, which is characterized by an increasing prevalence and resulting in more associated injuries. Thus, more attention should be paid on the prevention and treatment of these injuries caused by road traffic accidents in our country. (C) 2013 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.