[Epidemiology of maxillofacial fractures due to traffic accidents in Medellin (Colombia)].
OBJECTIVE
To characterize maxillofacial fractures due to traffic accidents in patients attending the Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación (Medellin-Colombia) from 1998 to 2010.


METHODS
A descriptive study (n =1609) was carried out with information from the medical records of patients meeting the inclusion criteria established by the general objective of the study. The variables consisted of sex, age, year, type and number of fractures, and type of vehicle. A descriptive analysis of the variables was performed and the frequency of fractures due to traffic accidents was calculated according to year and sex. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were estimated to establish associations among age, type of vehicle, and the presence of two or more fractures with stratification by sex.


RESULTS
The frequency of maxillofacial fractures due to traffic accidents increased in 2007 (men: n=198, women: n=35) and decreased from 2008 to 2010 in both sexes. Fractures were more frequent in persons aged <35 years (80%) and in men (82%). The highest frequency of fractures was observed in motorists. Male users of motorcycles (aOR=1.41; confidence interval 95% [95%CI]: 1.02- 1.94) and bicycles (aOR=1.61; 95%CI: 1.01- 2.56) were more likely to report two or more fractures compared with pedestrians, after adjustment for other variables.


CONCLUSIONS
Most maxillofacial fractures occurred in men and in motorists. Future studies should analyze other determinants affecting the epidemiology of maxillofacial fractures. Strategies should be designed to improve the use of protective elements and drivers' knowledge and practices.
Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia. Electronic address: oleduga@gmail.com.
Andrés A
AA
Agudelo-Suárez
Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
Francisco Levi
FL
Duque-Serna
Facultad Nacional de Salud Pública, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
Lucas
L
Restrepo-Molina
Facultad Nacional de Salud Pública, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
Eliana
E
Martínez-Herrera
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001642:Bicycling / Q000293:injuries; D003105:Colombia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D000069076:Fractures, Multiple / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D008440:Maxillary Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009049:Motorcycles / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016138:Walking / Q000293:injuries; D015051:Zygomatic Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology
Accidentes de tráfico; Epidemiologic studies; Estudios epidemiológicos; Fracturas maxilomandibulares; Jaw fractures; Traffic accidents