ASSESSMENT OF CERVICAL SPINE INJURIES ASSOCIATED WITH MAXILLOFACIAL TRAUMA

Abstract

The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of cervical spine injuries in maxillofacial trauma patients & the type of maxillofacial trauma. This cross sectional study assessed the frequency of cervical spine injuries and pattern of maxillofacial injuries seen at the Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad, Pakistan from January 2015 to December 2015. A total of 169 patients of both genders (male and female) formed the study group. Their age ranged 10 to 60 years with mean age 33.43±12.09 years. 101 were males and 68 were females. Road traffic accidents were the leading cause (46.15%) while assault represented (25.44%). 37% were pan facial fractures. 11 were Lefort I, 21 Lefort II, 19 Lefort III, 34 Zygomatic Bone Complex and 8 were Naso-ethmoid. Regarding anatomical location of mandibular fractures, 21 occurred at condyle, 4 at ramus, 59 at angle, 54 at the body, 49 parasym­physis, 43 symphysis, and total 7 cases were with cervical spine injury. Road traffic accident was the major cause. Mandibular fracture has been the most common maxillofacial fracture. Cervical spine level C2 (3) fractures were the most common associated injuries with maxillofacial trauma. Prompt recognition is of prime importance, as repair of facial injuries in the presence of occult cervical spine injury or fractures may exacerbate the injury.