EPIDEMIOLOGY OF MIDFACE FRACTURES IN RURAL SETUP IN SOUTH INDIA

BACKGROUND The present modern fast-moving life paves way for an increase in number of motor vehicle accidents among the rural population of Tamilnadu, India. This has resulted in the midfacial fractures as one of the commonest fractures. Most of the studies pertaining to face trauma have been dealt in urban areas. But very little scientific literature is available for rural area population. Our institution is a tertiary care centre situated in rural area on the National Highway 32 and we receive more number of RTAs involving face. Aims and Objectives 1. To study the prevalence of midfacial fractures in our population. 2. To analyse the data for various parameters (Age, sex, subtype, aetiology). 3. To investigate as to which subgroups are more vulnerable. 4. To suggest relevant remedial measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective descriptive study of the patients who were admitted under the Department of Plastic Surgery in Chengalpattu Medical College with midfacial fractures between Jan 2017 and Dec 2017. Based on the medical records, prevalence, aetiology, age distribution, treatment and fracture types were evaluated. RESULTS Male patients far outnumbered the females and the commonest age group was 20-40. Zygoma fractures were the commonest, amongst patients who had isolated arch fractures and contributed 29%. RTA was the commonest cause, with drunken driving without helmet being the most significant contributing factor. CONCLUSION Emphasis on road rules and strict implementation of the law to curb the menace of drunken driving can greatly help in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with facial fractures.