| Abstract [eng] |
Relevance of the problem: The face is not only the principal determinant for human recognition but also a complex anatomical structure that protects vital organs and bones. Maxillofacial traumatic injuries (MTIs) represent approximately one-seventh of all fractures reported globally. Given their exceptionally high prevalence, maxillofacial traumatic injuries are increasingly recognized as a significant epidemiological concern. These injuries typically result from the application of traumatic forces to the facial skeleton and are frequently associated with concomitant trauma to other anatomical regions. A comprehensive analysis of the primary etiological factors is essential to mitigate the incidence of such injuries and improve the quality of clinical management. Aim of the study: To conduct a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients treated for facial and maxillofacial trauma at Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics, Zalgiris Clinic (VUHSCZC) between 2011 and 2021 to assess temporal trends in trauma etiology, patient demographics, epidemiological characteristics, and treatment approaches over the year period. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of patients treated for facial and maxillofacial trauma at the inpatient department of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics, Zalgiris Clinic (VUHSCZC) between 2011 and 2021. Demographic and epidemiological data were collected, and etiological and clinical factors of the injuries and treatment approaches were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 and Microsoft Excel 2019. Results: A total of 4,119 patients were included in the study. The female-to-male ratio was 1:4.54, with a mean age of 27 years. Of all participants, 69.9% resided in urban areas, while 27.9% lived in rural regions. The incidence of maxillofacial traumatic injuries (MTIs) was 2.5 times higher among urban residents. Male patients sustained 3,926 injuries (mean: 1.16 injuries per patient), whereas female patients sustained 958 injuries (mean: 1.28 injuries per patient). The most common types of MTI were mandibular fractures (33.3%) and soft tissue injuries (33.2%). Among men, mandibular fractures were the most prevalent (35%), while women most frequently presented with soft tissue injuries (55.2%). The leading cause of injury among males was assault (50.9%), whereas falls were the predominant cause among females (39%). The shortest time to medical presentation was observed in patients with bilateral jaw fractures, averaging 5.6 hours. Overall, 97.6% of patients completed the treatment process. Conclusions: The typical patient representing a maxillofacial traumatic injury was a 27-year-old male residing in an urban area, who sustained a mandibular fracture resulting from interpersonal violence and sought medical attention approximately 37 hours post-trauma. The most commonly used treatment modality was interdental osteosynthesis combined with elastic intermaxillary fixation, performed under local anesthesia. These findings underscore the need for public education initiatives focused on violence prevention and the importance of prompt medical evaluation following traumatic incidents. |
