Analysis of 627 hospitalized maxillofacial-oral injuries in Xi'an, China

Background: Maxillofacial-oral injuries is a serious health problem in China. The main aetiologic factors and types of maxillofacial-oral injuries differ according to different geographical areas and socio-economic statuses of populations in different countries or within the same country.

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the types and external causes of maxillofacial-oral injuries among hospitalized patients in Xi'an, China, and thereafter to determine the status of maxillofacial-oral injuries in this region and to provide clinical clues for a future prevention of these injuries.

Material and methods: Totally, 627 patients aged 3-64 years with maxillofacial-oral injuries, who were hospitalized in two public stomatological hospitals in Xi'an from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008, were included in this study. The types and external causes of injuries were analyzed in terms of age, gender and urban and rural location.

Results: The results showed that jaw fractures (n = 406, 64.8%) and contusion/laceration injuries (n = 161, 25.7%) were the most frequent injuries. Injuries were 4.6 times more common in males than in females. Most maxillofacial-oral injuries occurred in those aged 18-59 years (71.1%), with a peak incidence in the 15- to 39-year-old group (31.4%). The proportion of patients from urban areas (45.5%) was lower than that from rural areas (54.4%). Regardless of gender, age and location, vehicle traffic accidents was the most common cause (n = 263, 41.9%), followed by falls (n = 109, 17.2%) and fighting-induced injuries (n = 87, 13.9%).

Conclusions: Preventive strategies for maxillofacial-oral injuries due to traffic accidents should be emphasized and promoted in the first hand, especially for males, rural residents and those aged between 18 and 59 years.