FREQUENCY, SITE AND PATTERN OF COMMON SOFT TISSUE INJURIES IN MAXILLOFACIAL REGION IN PATIENTS PRESENTING TO AYUB TEACHING HOSPITAL ABBOTTABAD

ABSTRACT Objective: Objective of the study was to determine the frequency, site and pattern of common soft tissue injuries in the maxillofacial region among patients presenting to the trauma centre and maxillofacial OPD in Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad (ATH ATD) and to determine the results based on the presence or absence of helmet use. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done at the trauma centre and Maxillofacial OPD in ATH Abbottabad, Pakistan, from 15th August 2024 to 15th June 2025.A total of 126 participants were included in the study. Data was collected using a questionnaire. Frequency, site and pattern of common soft tissue injuries were assessed in motorcyclists with or without helmet use. Data was analyzed using SPSS 27. Results: Total sample size was 126. Fall 78(61.9%) was most common cause of injury to maxillofacial soft tissues followed by RTA 31(24. 6%).Out of total of 20(15.9%)motorcyclists with RTA included in study, none of them were wearing helmet. Forehead 31(24.6%) was most common site of soft tissue injury. Extra oral laceration 85(67.5%) was most common type of soft tissue injury in maxillofacial region. Conclusions: Injuries to the maxillofacial region are common findings, with falls being the most common cause, the forehead as a common site and extraoral laceration being a common pattern for soft tissue injuries of the maxillofacial region in patients presenting to ATH, ATD. Key words: Facial Injuries, Accidental Falls, Lacerations, forehead, Accidents; Traffic, helmet.