Prevalence of Neurologic Deficits in Combined Facial and Cervical Spine Injuries: A Retrospective Analysis

Study design: A retrospective data analysis of maxillofacial trauma patients with combined cervical spine injuries. Objective: This study is based on investigating the importance of timely diagnosis of patients who suffer with cervical spine injuries along with maxillofacial trauma by estimating the prevalence of neurologic deficits and its relation with etiology. Methods: A database of 4460 patients suffering from maxillofacial injuries and admitted in specialized environment surgery of Government Medical College, Trivandrum, Kerala was taken under consideration. The prevalence and types of neurologic deficits and its relation with etiology were assessed in patients with combined facial and cervical spine injuries. Results: Of 4460 patients, 48 were having cervical spine injury along with facial damage with the prevalence of 0.01%. Neurologic deficits were seen highest with etiology of road traffic accidents followed by falls from height. Most of the accidents occurred in bike riders and helmets were absent. Conclusions: It was concluded that most of the accidents engage bike riders and drivers, due to unethical and unsafe driving. There was no significant correlation found between facial and cervical spine injuries.