Patients with Facial Soft Tissue Injuries and Factors Associated: A Cross-sectional Study in Central India

Aim: Facial soft tissue injuries (STIs) are prevalent in trauma cases, exhibiting distinct epidemiological characteristics compared to other maxillofacial injuries. This study analyzed the patterns and characteristics of such injuries at a 24-h emergency healthcare center in Nagpur, India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated 1355 patients with facial STIs who had complete medical records. The analysis included variables such as gender, age, etiology, time and month of visit, injury site, association with maxillofacial fractures or dental injuries, and whether under substance influence during the incident. Results: The study observed 824 males and 531 females, resulting in a male-to-female ratio of 1.55:1. The age group most commonly affected was 21–30 years, accounting for 31.37% of the cases. The incidence of facial STIs was highest during the winter season, accounting for 32.4%, while the spring season recorded the lowest incidence at 19.85%. The majority of injuries occurred between 6:00 PM and midnight, with 423 cases (31.22%), followed by the period from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The chin was the most affected site, followed by the lips and oral mucosa. Chin and mucosal injuries were particularly prevalent in individuals aged 21–30 years. Traffic accidents were the leading cause of injuries, representing 67.68% of all cases, followed by assaults, falls, and sports-related incidents. Among older age groups, falls were the predominant cause of injury, whereas traffic accidents were more frequent in younger individuals. Sports-related injuries were most common in children aged 0–10 years. In addition, 47.08% of patients were reported to be under the influence of substances, with the majority belonging to the 21–30 age group. Conclusion: The study highlights traffic accidents as the primary cause of facial STIs, predominantly affecting males aged 21–30, with a notable association with substance influence.