title: Pattern of Assault-induced Oral and Maxillofacial Injuries in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Assault, though a major cause of maxillofacial injuries in the developed nations, has not been adequately investigated among Nigerian population. This study aimed to analyze the pattern of maxillofacial injuries caused by assault in our institution.
  
  
  METHODS
  A descriptive clinical survey of patients with assault-induced oral and maxillofacial injuries presenting to our maxillofacial surgery clinic/emergency ward was carried out. Demographic data and pattern of injuries obtained from patients' record and department trauma database were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  156 patients presented with oral and maxillofacial injuries between October 2009 and December 2010. Thirty-four cases were due to assault and male to female ratio was 1.8:1. The mean age of the patients was 21.4±6.26 years (age range 2-48 years). 23.6% (n=8) of the injuries were due to domestic violence between spouses while 35.3% (n=12) resulted from fight. Students unrest and armed robbery attack accounted for six cases each (17.7%, n=6), while there were two cases due to child battering. 64.3% (n=22) of the injuries sustained involved soft tissues while 35.7% involved hard tissues. Contusion was the most common isolated soft tissue injury accounting for 56% (n=10) while dentoalveolar fracture was the most encountered hard tissue injury (62.5%, n=16).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is need for preventive strategies to reduce the incidence of assault-induced maxillofacial injuries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Obitade Sunday
authors.initials: OS
authors.lastname: Obimakinde
authors.forename: Victoria Njedika
authors.initials: VN
authors.lastname: Okoje
authors.forename: Abiodun Olubayo
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Fasola
keywords: Assault; oral and maxillofacial injuries; pattern
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