An Epidemiological Study of Maxillofacial Fractures at Tertiary Hospital in Kathmandu

AbstractIntroduction: The present epidemiological study was undertaken to determine the most common etiology, most common maxillofacial fracture and the demographic indicators of facial fractures. Materials and Methods: A two- year retrospective study was performed and 330 patients who were treated by Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of National Trauma Center and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit of Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. Out of 330 patients, only 299 patients were included in the study. Results: The most affected group with maxillofacial fractures were found to be men of age group 21- 30 years. The main mode of injury recorded was Road Traffic Accident (RTA) followed by fall injury and physical assault. The highest occurrence of mandible fracture was noted in the study. Conclusion: Road Traffic Accident remains the most common etiology of maxillofacial fracture and the mandibular bone was most commonly encountered fracture. This study emphasizes the application of road safety mechanism and stringent enforcement of traffic laws. Keywords: Maxillofacial fracture, Road Traffic Accident (RTA), Open reduction and Fixation (ORIF), Mandible, Nasoorbitoethmoid (NOE)