Occurrence and types of associated injuries in patients with fractures of the facial bones.

PURPOSE

To identify the occurrence, types, and severity of associated injuries outside the facial region among patients diagnosed with facial fractures, and to analyze whether there are any factors related to associated injuries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of 401 patients diagnosed with facial fractures during the 2-year period from 2003 to 2004.

RESULTS

Associated injuries were observed in 101 patients (25.2%). The most common type of injury was a limb injury (13.5%), followed by brain (11.0%), chest (5.5%), spine (2.7%), and abdominal (0.8%) injuries. Multiple associated injuries were observed in 10% and polytrauma in 7.5%. The mortality rate was 0.2%. The occurrence of associated injury correlated significantly with trauma mechanism and fracture type; high-speed accidents and severe facial fractures were significant predictors of associated injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Associated injuries are frequent among patients who have sustained facial fractures. The results underscore the importance of multiprofessional collaboration in diagnosis and sequencing of treatment, but also the importance of arranging appropriate clinical rotations for maxillofacial residents in training.