title: Pattern of midface trauma with associated concomitant injuries in a nigerian referral centre.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of midface trauma with associated concomitant injuries seen in our environment.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a prospective analysis of trauma patients with midfacial injuries presenting at a referral center in South West Nigeria. In addition to socio-demographic data, the following information was also obtained: Mechanism of injuries, type of midfacial injuries, concomitant/associated injuries and treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 101 patients with midfacial injuries were involved. They were made up of 85 males and 16 females. The 20-29 year age group was mostly affected (44.6%) and the most common cause of midface injuries was road traffic accident (91.1%). The zygoma was fractured more than any other midfacial bone (46.0%). A total of 144 associated injuries were recorded among these patients, head and ocular injuries accounted for 49 (34%) and 35 (24.3%) respectively. The patients were mostly treated conservatively or by closed reduction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The rate of head and ocular injuries among patients with midfacial injury was high. Knowledge of these associated injuries provides useful strategies for patient care and prevention of further complications. A multidisciplinary approach is important for optimum management of these patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Udeabor
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Victor I
authors.initials: VI
authors.lastname: Akinmoladun
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Adeola
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Olusanya
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Ambrose
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Obiechina
keywords: Concomitant injuries; midface trauma; multidisciplinary care