title: Maxillofacial fracture experiences: a review of 152 cases.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The fractures of facial structures lead to great morbidity. Cross-sectional studies are needed to evaluate the current state of maxillofacial traumas. Thus, this study aims to evaluate these experiences and to compare these results with the current literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  The medical records of the maxillofacial fracture cases hospitalized between January 2004 and November 2011 were examined. The age, sex, etiology, fracture localization and treatment method for each case were documented. The affected facial bones were grouped as mandible, maxilla, zygoma, naso-orbitoethmoid complex (NOEC) and blow-out. Nasal fractures were excluded. The cases were assigned to 3 groups with respect to age (below 16, above 65 and between 17 and 64). The chi Square test was used to assess the significance of the difference in mandibular fracture rates in the pediatric population compared to others.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The total number of cases was 152. The total number of fractures was 185. Of the 152 cases, 117 were male and 35 were female. The average age was 31.4 (±18.3), ranging between 2 and 81. Thirty-one cases were 16 years old or less. Nine cases were 65 years old or more. Mandibular and zygomatic fractures were the most prevalent fractures in the adult group. Mandibular fractures were significantly more common in the pediatric age group compared to rest of the population (X(2), p<0.05). Traffic accidents were the most common etiological factor, with a 55.3% ratio. Open reduction and internal fixation was the most frequently conducted treatment modality in all age groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Retrospective studies are important for the projection of future prospects. In summary, our results indicate that pediatric fractures are mostly in the lower face and usually affect the condylar region, which is consistent with the literature.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey.
authors.forename: Osman Enver
authors.initials: OE
authors.lastname: Aydin
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey.
authors.forename: Onder
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey.
authors.forename: Said
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Algan
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey.
authors.forename: Selma Denktas
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Kuduban
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ensar Zafer
authors.initials: EZ
authors.lastname: Barin
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey.
authors.forename: Hakan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cinal
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Bitlis State Hospital, Bitlis, Turkey.
authors.forename: Murat
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sarici
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey.
authors.forename: Umit
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Avsar
keywords: Lower face; Mandible; Maxillofacial fractures