Changing pattern in the treatment of mandibular fractures in North-Western Nigeria

Adebayo Aremu Ibikunle, Abdurrazaq Olanrewaju Taiwo, Ramat Oyebunmi Braimah, Olalekan Micah Gbotolorun

African Journal of Trauma 2016 5(2):36-42

Background: Maxillofacial fractures constitute a significant proportion of fractures seen at tertiary hospitals. Management of maxillofacial fractures is challenging and often associated with reduced quality of life among patients if not properly managed. This study was designed to analyze the trend in management of maxillofacial fractures at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria between 2011 and 2016. Materials and Methods: Data on the sociodemographic characteristics, etiology, type of fracture, and treatment done were retrieved. Data analysis was done with SPSS and comparisons were made using Chi-square and t-test. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: A total of 341 fracture sites were observed in 201 patients, the majority were males giving a male to female ratio of 6.2:1. The overall modal age group at presentation was the 21–30 year age group accounting for 78 (36.3%) of all cases seen. Road traffic accident (RTA) was the principal etiological factor accounting for 137 (63.7%) of the fracture cases seen. The mandibular body and dentoalveolar sites were the most frequently occurring fracture sites on the mandible accounting for 69 (20.2%) and 42 (12.3%) of all fractures. A comparison of the etiological factors among groups of patients based on the year of presentation and gender was statistically significant (P = 0.02). A comparison of the mode of treatment (open reduction and internal fixation [ORIF] or closed reduction) among patients based on the year of treatment was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: RTA remains the foremost cause of maxillofacial fractures in our environment. Despite a variety of challenges, ORIF is gradually being embraced as a viable mode of treatment in our center.

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