Pattern and Management of Maxillofacial Trauma in Selected Trauma Units Across Africa: A Prospective Pilot Study

Introduction Trauma to the facial region could lead to considerable social, psychological and economic consequences. With the African region being a major contributor to global trauma events, we set out to describe the epidemiology and management of maxillofacial trauma in selected trauma units across Africa. Materials and Methods This was a six-month prospective multicentre study carried out during March-September 2021.The study involved five major hospitals across the African continent. The patterns of maxillofacial injuries were recorded and patients managed according to local standardized operating protocols. Treatment delays and postoperative complications were recorded at review. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and regression analysis (p < 0.05). Findings. A total of 195 patients were included in the study. The age range of patients was 1-87 years, with a mean age of 32.4 (SD = +/- 16.1). The study population consisted of 43 (22.1%) females, accounting for a Male:Female ratio of 3.5:1. Lacerations were the most common soft tissue injuries observed, while the prevalence of upper-, mid-, and lower- third fractures were 5.1%, 33.8%, and 19.5% respectively. There was loss of consciousness in 27.2%. Road crashes were the predominant aetiology of injuries, while 33.8% had concomitant injuries. About 38.3% of participants experienced treatment delays. Compared to employed patients, unemployed patients had significantly higher odds of experiencing treatment delays (OR = 3.76; 95%CI: 1.62 - 8.73). Conclusion With the overwhelming contribution of road crashes, measures to ensure road safety are needed to significantly reduce maxillofacial injuries in the African region, while also reducing socioeconomic inequality to timely treatment.