Influence of Positions on the Incidence and severity of Middle Third Facial Fractures in Vehicular and Motorcycle Crashes seen in a Tertiary Health Facility

Abstract

Objective: The incidence of middle third facial fractures due to traffic crashes has increased tremendously. In developed countries, there is a gradual decline in traffic crashes as a result of effective compliance with road safety measures unlike in developing countries where the incidence is increasing due to non-compliance and ineffective enforcement of road safety laws, among other factors. The objective was to present the influence of positioning on the incidence and severity of Maxillofacial injuries in vehicles and motor bike crashes in a Nigerian tertiary health facility.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study of the influence of position of the patient on the incidence of middle third facial fractures presenting at a tertiary institution. Data were analysed using SPSS version 17.

Results: There were more male than female in the ratio of 2.3:8:1 (M:F) and the mean age was 23.2 ± 3.4. Road traffic crash was the major cause of middle third fracture with 231 cases. Pillion passengers and front passengers on both motorcycles and vehicles were the most vulnerable passengers.

Conclusion: There is a strong association between patient positioning and middle third fractures