STUDY OF MAXILLOFACIAL FRACTURES FREQUENCY IN URMIA IMAM KHOMEINI HOSPITAL PATIENTS: DURING A 10- YEAR PERIOD (1375-84).

Overpopulation, advancement of technology and automaton have caused human rest to be exposed to dangers. Orbit and middle third of the face are more vulnerable than other organs. The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics of maxillofacial fractures in patients referring to Urmia Imam Khomeini hospital during a 10-year period and to delineate comparisons with worldwide facial fracture patterns.

Materials & Methods: This descriptive-cross sectional study was carried out on 320 patients referring to ENT ward of Imam Khomeini hospital during a 10-year period, 1375-1384. The data on the patients' age, sex, cause, type of injury, job and living place were collected by filling some questionnaires and were analyzed under descriptive statistics' by means of SPSS software, version 13.

Results: A total of 320 patient, 252(78.75%) males and 68(21.25%) females were retrieved (ratio m:f=3.7: 1), mostly (32.5%) in 21-30 year age group. The most common frequency of maxillary fractures were combined fractures in 140(43.75%). Most fractures were caused by motor traffic accidents 160(50%) followed by falls 60(18.75%) work accidents 52(16.25%) assault 24(7.5%) and other causes 24(7.5%).

Conclusion: The findings of this study conforms the results of worldwide maxillofacial fracture studies. The causes and patterns of maxillofacial fractures reflect trauma patterns within the community and can provide a guide to the design of programmes geared toward prevention and treatment.