Epidemiological assessment of maxillofacial fractures in the inhabitants of Lower Silesia, Poland in 2002–2006 – Pattern of maxillofacial fracture

Abstract Introduction This study is a continuation of research on maxillofacial traumatology conducted by the Maxillofacial Surgery Department of the Medical University in Wroclaw, Poland. Since 1956, a statistical review of maxillofacial fractures has been kept in 5 or 10-year periods of reference. Such an analysis is useful in identifying the frequency of the phenomenon, deciding on suitable treatment precautions, verifying treatment methods, and analyzing costs and losses incurred as a result of absence at work due to maxillofacial fractures. The sociological aspect of these studies includes indicating the sources of adverse social phenomena. Aim The aim of this epidemiological study was to analyze maxillofacial fractures among the inhabitants of Lower Silesia treated in the Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Wroclaw Medical University in 2002–2006. Material and methods The study was based on clinical documentation of 937 patients in whom dependencies between chosen parameters were identified. To evaluate the type of fracture, the classification of fractures developed by Samolczyk-Wanyura was adopted. Results and discussion The most common causes of fractures in both sexes were assaults (57.1%) and motor vehicle accidents (16.8%). Almost 50% fewer fractures were work related in comparison with other authors’ data from previous years, and the greatest number of maxillofacial fractures was reported in young males from urban backgrounds aged 18–25. The most frequent type of fracture was mandibular fracture. Conclusions It was concluded that the main causes of maxillofacial fractures were related with assault and motor vehicle accidents. This means that violence is a very serious social problem.