Maxillofacial Injuries – A Retrospective Study from Level 1 Trauma Center

Objectives: The extent of dental and maxillofacial trauma in a large level 1 trauma center in Israel was evaluated, and the causes of trauma and relation between the injuries to the patient's age and gender were assessed. Methods: Analysis was based on data from the Israel Trauma Registry (ITR). From January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2003, all patients hospitalized in one medical center were analyzed according to age, gender, time, place, and cause of injury. Files from 14,040 trauma patients were reviewed. Maxillofacial and tooth injuries were separated and further analyzed according to the above parameters. Results: Of all patients with trauma injuries, 1038 (7.8%) involved maxillofacial or dental injuries, mostly caused by motor vehicle crashes (41%), falls (27%), and intentional injuries (23%). Most occurred on the street/road (49.6%), at home (17.1%), and in public buildings (13.8%). Of all maxillofacial injuries, 576 (55.5%) required surgery. Males were hospitalized three times more than females, and young people were at greater risk. The most frequent age of trauma was 19-28 years (30.2%). Conclusion: Oral and maxillofacial trauma is common. Further dental health education and training for primary caregivers are warranted.