Patterns of Facial Fractures at a Major Saudi Trauma Center: A 15-Year Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to examine etiology, patterns, and associated demographic factors of facial fractures in Northern Saudi Arabia.

Method:

This was a retrospective study of patients admitted to a tertiary care trauma center in Northern Saudi Arabia with a diagnosis of facial fracture. Medical patient records were retrieved for the period 19/1/2000 to 24/11/2015. Retrieved data were demographics (age, gender, nationality), types and etiology of fractures.

Results:

A total of 2066 patient records were included. Patients had a mean age of 24.7 ± 11.7 years, (range = 1-90 years). Most patients were males (n = 1755, 84.9%), and young (19-30 years old; 52%). Fractures of the zygomatic maxillary complex and mandibular parasymphysial fractures were the most commonly encountered fractures (n = 609, n = 603 respectively). Road traffic accidents (RTAs; 66.1%), falls (15.2%), and assault (13.0%) were the main causes of fractures. RTAs were significantly identified among age group (19-30; P < .001). Assault was significantly associated with males, age group (19-30) and Saudi nationality (P < .001, P < .001and P = .032 respectively). Lastly, falls had a significant association with male, children and older adults who were >30 years old (P = .001, P < .001 respectively).

Conclusions:

RTAs, assaults, and falls are the most frequently reported causes of facial fractures among trauma patients in Northern Saudi Arabia. RTAs are the leading cause of facial fractures in the young adult population, while assaults are significantly seen in young Saudi males. Maxillary and mandibular fractures are the most commonly observed types of facial fractures. Targeted public health interventions are recommended to address road safety education and enforcement of traffic regulations. Community-based prevention programs could mitigate assault-related trauma, particularly among the young male population.