TO STUDY MAXILLOFACIAL FRACTURE EPIDEMIOLOGY IN SOUTH INDIA
Maxillofacial Injury (MFI) is a major public health concern that is multifactorial in etiology-road traffic accidents (RTAs), falls and violence. RTAs are the major cause of maxillofacial injuries (MFIs) in countries like India. Maxillofacial fractures are a significant public health concern due to their association with functional, aesthetic, and psychological impacts on patients. Epidemiological studies are essential for understanding the etiology and patterns of these injuries to develop effective prevention strategies and treatment protocols. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of maxillofacial fractures in a tertiary care hospital in Pondicherry, India. A retrospective analysis of 150 patients treated for maxillofacial fractures at Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, Pondicherry between August 2019 and April 2020 was conducted. Data on patient demographics, anatomical location of fractures, and causes of injury were collected and analyzed. The findings were compared with previously published studies on maxillofacial fracture epidemiology. The study population predominantly consisted of young adults, with a male predominance. The most common anatomical locations for fractures were the mandible and zygomatic bone. Road traffic accidents were the leading cause of maxillofacial fractures, followed by falls and interpersonal violence. Our findings were consistent with the trends reported in previous literature. Considering the geographic and cultural indices of the evaluated population, it can be concluded that the patients age and gender and trauma causes, significantly affect the prevalence of maxillofacial traumas and fracture types and so the best treatment plans. This would be useful for appropriate health care policy and management set up in every society. This study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of maxillofacial fractures in Pondicherry, India. The findings highlight the need for effective public health interventions to reduce the incidence of these injuries, such as road safety awareness campaigns, strict traffic law enforcement, and violence prevention programs