>Magister Scientiae - MSc / Background: Changing trends have been observed in the prevalence, etiology, imaging
practice and pattern of presentation of mid facial fractures in different geographical regions.
Conventional (plain) radiographs remain the most common initial investigative tool for general
appraisal of suspected fractures, while advanced imaging is currently the most common final
investigation. This study explored the clinico-radiologic patterns of mid facial fractures with
main focus on demographic characteristics, etiology, fracture patterns and imaging practice.
Aim: To determine the Prevalence, Clinical and Radiologic patterns of mid-facial fractures at
Tygerberg Oral Health Centre, Faculty of Dentistry, University of the Western Cape
Methodology: A retrospective cross sectional quantitative descriptive study of mid facial
fractures was conducted at The University of the Western Cape’s Faculty of Dentistry based at
the Tygerberg Oral Health Centre (TOHC). The study population comprised 239 patients who
presented with mid facial fractures over 2 years, from January 2015 to December 2016. The
data captured included demographic details, etiology, fracture site(s) and radiological
investigations performed.
Results: A vast male predominance was observed (M: F=5.3:1). The age range was 7-76 years
(mean 31.94; SD 13.13). The most affected age category was 21 to 30 years (39.7%) while the
least affected groups were children aged 0 to 10 years and patients above 70 years old. A total
of 285 individual fractures were identified among the 239 patients (mean of 1.2 fractures per
patient). The most common pattern of fracture was zygomatic complex (24.9%) while Le Fort
fractures were the least common (5.3%). 20.1% of patients had concomitant fractures of other
bones of the face and skull. There was no association between gender and site of fracture (p =
0.812). Panoramic radiography was the most common initial investigation. A panoramic
radiograph in combination with various conventional extraoral views were sufficient for
diagnosis in 18.8% of the patients. However, majority (53.6%) had all the three types of
imaging performed (panoramic radiograph, conventional extra oral views and advanced
imaging). The most common etiological factor was assault (73.6%). There was no association
between gender and aetiology of fracture (p = 0.537)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uwc/oai:etd.uwc.ac.za:11394/7049 |
| Date | January 2019 |
| Creators | Opondo, Florence |
| Contributors | Parker, Mohamed |
| Publisher | University of the Western Cape |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | University of the Western Cape |
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