title: Incidence and pattern of maxillofacial trauma due to road traffic accidents: a prospective study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The incidence and causes of road traffic accidents (RTAs) vary with geographical location, socioeconomic status, religion and era. The etiological factors and associated injury patterns may be important in planning for preventive measures and treatment planning. The aim of this study was to evaluate and analyze the etiological factors, patterns and the frequency of maxillofacial injuries due to RTAs.
  
  
  METHODS
  This prospective study was conducted on 350 patients with facial trauma due to RTAs. Records related to age, sex, the cause of the RTA, the vehicle type, time to reach the hospital, the use of seat belts, helmets, and other safety devices were evaluated and reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two-wheelers were the most involved (53.71 %) vehicle type and negligence of traffic rules (24 %) was the most common etiological factor. Male to female ratio was 6.3:1. The age group of 21-50 (68.85 %) years was mostly affected. The nasal bone (29.14 %) was most often the site of fracture followed by mandible (28.0 %). The rate of accident was higher during 1000-1400 hours (23.14 %) period and during weekends (38.0 %). Majority (58.57 %) of victims reached the hospital within 6 h of accident.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The low utilization of safety devices like seat belts and helmets as well as speeding, negligence of traffic rules and reckless driving were identified as etiological factors.
authors.affiliation: Guru Gobind Singh College of Dental Science and Research Centre, Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh India.
authors.forename: Amit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Agnihotri
authors.affiliation: Mahaveer teerthanker Medical College, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh India.
authors.forename: Dhanaram
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Galfat
authors.affiliation: Guru Gobind Singh College of Dental Science and Research Centre, Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh India.
authors.forename: Deepshikha
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Agnihotri
keywords: Etiological factors; Maxillofacial fracture; Road traffic accidents