Epidemiological assessment of maxillofacial fractures in inhabitants of Lower Silesia, Poland, in 2002-2006 - Treatment of maxillofacial fracture

Introduction and objective. Epidemiological assessment of maxillofacial fractures carried out by a given specialized centre may constitute valuable material for comparison with other regions of Poland and the European Union. This material could help standardize the present methods of treating craniofacial skeleton dislocations, and plan appropriate financial resources both for specialized treatment of such fractures and fractures that require multidisciplinary care. Moreover, the frequency of complicated maxillofacial fractures leading to residual disability and circumstances in which fracture occurred may be useful for the Social Security authorities. Materials and methods. This study is a continuation of research on maxillofacial traumatology carried by the Maxillofacial Department of the Medical University in Wrocław, Lower Silesia. Since 1956, a statistical review of maxillofacial fractures has been kept in 5 or 10-year periods. Statistical analysis of this kind is useful in indentifying the frequency of the phenomenon, taking suitable treatment precautions, verifying treatment methods, and analyzing costs and losses incurred as a result of absence at work. Sociological aspect of such studies includes indicating sources of socially adverse phenomena, i.e. violence or alcohol abuse. The studies were based on clinical documentation of 937 patients, where dependencies between chosen parameters were identified. As a basic statistical analysis of variable interdependence the χ2 test of independence was applied. Conclusions. Lately, there have been more maxillofacial fractures resulting from civilization changes. Simultaneously, there are new treatment methods and significant progress has been made regarding materials that are used in these treatments.