A ten-year analysis of midfacial fractures

Introduction: With respect to maxillofacial trauma a substantial part consists of midfacial fractures. The distribution of fracture sites seems to be influenced by the cause of the injury, geographic location, local behaviour and socioeconomic trends. This retrospective study presents an investigation of the aetiology and incidence of midfacial fractures in Amsterdam over a period of 10 years. Results: The study population consisted of 278 patients, 200 males and 78 females, with a mean age of 39.3 (SD: +/- 16.0) years and a male-female ratio of 2.6:1. Most fractures were found in the age group of 20-29 years for males and the age group of 50 years and older for females. The most common cause of the fractures was traffic related accidents. The main fracture site was the zygomatic complex, followed by the zygomatic arch and the orbital floor. In patients with alcohol consumption, violence was the main cause of injury. Complications consisted mainly of suboptimal fracture reduction, followed by temporary paraesthesia of the infraorbital nerve and wound infection. Complications were treated by retreatment, removal of the osteosynthesis material and antibiotic therapy. Conclusion: This study presents the aetiology and incidence of midfacial fractures in a Dutch population over a period of 10 years. Furthermore our treatment protocols for these fractures are discussed. (C) 2012 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.