Epidemiological, Clinical and Radiological Aspects of Maxillofacial Trauma at the Sylvanus Olympio University Teaching Hospital in Lomé, Togo

Introduction: Maxillofacial trauma includes injuries affecting the facial bones, mandible, and their surrounding soft tissues. These injuries are very common, related to the increase in the vehicle fleet in recent decades and non-compliance with traffic regulations. We conducted this study to better understand the etiological profile and the different clinical and radiological forms of maxillofacial trauma in Togo. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive retrospective study conducted from January 1st, 2015, to December 31th, 2023 (9 years), focusing on the records of patients with facial trauma. Data were collected using a pre-established survey form based on patient medical records, consultation and surgical report records from the Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery Department. Results: Five hundred and twenty-three patient records were retained, representing a hospital frequency of 58.11 cases/year. The average patient age was 33.13 years, with the most common age group being 20 to 40 years (69.90%). The predominance was male, with a sex ratio of 7.57. The primary etiology identified was road traffic accidents (RTAs), with 86.20% of cases (motorcyclists were involved in 88.40% of cases), followed by assaults, with 5.90%. Craniofacial computed tomography was the most commonly performed radiological examination (90.60%). The mandible was the most affected bone by fractures (49.90%), followed by orbitozygomatic fractures (45.70%) and Lefort fractures (41.68%). Craniocerebral trauma was the most common associated injury (43.8%). Conclusion: Facial trauma is common and primarily affects young adults. RTAs were the largest contributor. Hence, the need to focus on prevention, focusing on compliance with road safety measures, including the use of full-face helmets by motorcyclists, seat belts by drivers, and compliance with the highway code.