A prospective analysis,of maxillofacial injuries in patients reporting to a tertiary care hospital in Lahore

Background: maxillofacial trauma is frequently encountered in the accident and emergency department of hospitals either as an isolated injury or as a part of multiple injuries to the head,neck,chest,and abdomen. aim: to assess prospectively the profile of maxillofacial injuries in patients reporting to a local hospital in lahore. methods: the study was conducted in the emergency department of sir ganga ram hospital lahore. case record sheets of 80 medico legal cases reporting to the hospital emergency were scrutinized and various demographic and epidemiologic factors,including the patient's age and gender,reporting time and the etiology and nature of injury were recorded. results: the peak incidence of maxillofacial injury was observed in the age group of 21-30 years,with males outnumbering females in all age groups. maximum number of trauma cases reported in late evening hours. interpersonal assault was the primary etiological factor followed by road traffic accidents. soft tissue injuries were very common followed by maxillofacial fractures and fractures of lumber,hip and knee region. conclusion: the trend of maxillofacial injuries in lahore necessitates strict legislation against violence especially due to fight and accidental fall. there is a need to minimize the physical,psychological,and emotional distress associated with maxillofacial trauma.