Faciomaxillary fractures in north India. A statistical analysis and review of management.

An analysis of the incidence of facial fractures and their combinations is presented along with an evaluation of our techniques of fracture reduction and fixation. Two hundred and sixty two patients with facial fractures treated between January 1982 and December 1983 at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, form the basis of this study. Simple methods have been used for reduction and fixation for the last 20 years without any major modification, as they have provided satisfactory results. Road traffic accidents are the leading aetiological factor in both sexes. More than 75% of the cases were in the 16-45 year age group. The mandible was the most frequently fractured bone. Contrary to previous reports we found that the parasymphseal region was more commonly fractured than the subcondylar region. More than 50% of the maxillary and zygomatic fractures were a part of the panfacial group. Orbital and nasoethmoidal fractures were relatively uncommon.