title: Patterns of maxillofacial fractures in goa.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The maxillofacial skeleton is commonly fractured due to its prominent position. The pattern of maxillofacial fractures varies from one country to another. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the patterns of maxillofacial injuries in the state of Goa and compare the results with similar studies in India and rest of the world.
  
  
  METHODS
  The data were collected from the records of the patients who reported to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Goa Dental College and Hospital between 2005 and 2010. The site of fracture, age of patient, etiology of trauma, daily and monthly variation of the fractures was analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Records of 2,731 patients sustaining maxillofacial injury were examined. The most commonly fractured facial bone was the mandible followed by zygomaticomaxillary complex. Most fractures occurred in the third and fourth decade of life with male and female ratio of 6:1. Main etiology was road traffic accidents.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite strict traffic legislation, road traffic accidents are the main cause of maxillofacial injuries.
authors.affiliation: Department of OMFS, Goa Dental College and Hospital, F-4, Block 1, Rich Builders Hill View Apartment, Bambolim, 403202 Goa India.
authors.forename: G B Ananth
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: Department of OMFS, Goa Dental College and Hospital, F-4, Block 1, Rich Builders Hill View Apartment, Bambolim, 403202 Goa India.
authors.forename: Vikas
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Dhupar
authors.affiliation: Department of OMFS, Goa Dental College and Hospital, F-4, Block 1, Rich Builders Hill View Apartment, Bambolim, 403202 Goa India.
authors.forename: Francis
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Akkara
authors.affiliation: Department of OMFS, Goa Dental College and Hospital, F-4, Block 1, Rich Builders Hill View Apartment, Bambolim, 403202 Goa India.
authors.forename: S Praveen
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Kumar
keywords: Mandibular fractures; Maxillofacial trauma; Mid-face fractures