TRAUMATIC MAXILLO-FACIAL FRACTURES: PATTERNS AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH TREATMENT OUTCOMES AT HAWASSA UNIVERSITY COMPREHENSIVE SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL, SIDAMA REGION, ETHIOPIA, 2023.

Abstract

Introduction: Trauma is the physical damage that occurs when the human body is suddenly or briefly subjected to unbearable levels of force. Traumatic maxillofacial fractures are a significant health problem worldwide. However, there is a lack of recent studies addressing this issue in Ethiopia, including in the present study area. Objective: To assess traumatic maxillofacial fractures: patterns and factors associated with treatment outcomes at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Sidama Region, Ethiopia. Methods and materials: A facility-based cross-sectional study of trauma patients admitted to the dental department of Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital was performed. The medical records of the patients were reviewed. The data were collected using a semistructured checklist and then entered into SPSS version 25 for data management and analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the associations between variables. Statistical significance was considered at p<0.05. Results: This study enrolled a total of 301 patients with traumatic maxillofacial fractures. The mandible was the most frequently fractured bone (45.2%, n = 136), followed by the Zygomaticomaxillary complex (25.25%, n = 76) and nasal bone (12.62%, n = 38). Twenty-six (8.6%) patients had an unfavorable outcome after treatment and during discharge. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that panfacial fractures [AOR: 10.54; CI: (2.4, 46.3); p < 0.002], a history of smoking [AOR: 3.54; 95% CI: (1.37, 9.12); P <0.009], and delayed treatment [AOR: 3.48; 95% CI: (1.4, 8.7); P <0.008] were significantly associated with unfavorable outcomes. Conclusion and recommendation: Among traumatic maxillofacial fractures, mandibular fracture is the most common. Factors associated with an unfavorable outcome were panfacial fractures, a history of smoking, and delayed treatment. Early treatment of maxillofacial trauma patients in health facilities with an oral and maxillofacial surgery department is recommended.