Abstract
The incidence of head injury in maxillofacial trauma patients varies widely in the
literature. A good understanding of the patterns of association between these injuries
would aid in efficient multidisciplinary treatment. The aim of this study therefore
was to understand the associations between head injury and facial trauma by retrospectively
analysing the records of patients seen at a tertiary care trauma centre. Demographic
data were also described. Records of 4350 facial trauma patients over a five-year
period were reviewed. A total of 3564 (81.9%) patients were victims of motor vehicle
accidents (MVA). Male patients predominated, comprising 3711 (85.3%), and 36.6% were
in the third decade of life. Facial fractures were seen in 2120 (48.7%), the most
common being zygomatic fractures (60%). At the time of trauma, 2383 (57.3%) patients
were under the influence of alcohol, and 2821 (87.8%) victims of two-wheeler MVAs
were not using their helmet. Of all patients, 29.75% sustained a traumatic brain injury
(TBI). Midface fractures were strongly associated with TBI. Maxillofacial injury may
be considered a risk factor for TBI, and as such should immediately be suspected and
investigated in all patients. Prompt recognition and management can improve outcomes
in these patients.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 26, 2022
Accepted:
September 21,
2022
Received in revised form:
August 20,
2022
Received:
May 23,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
