Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyse retrospectively the demographic distribution, treatment modalities, and complications of maxillofacial fractures in 2901 patients treated in this department in Southeast Anatolia between 1978 and 2002. In addition, the use of internal fixation was evaluated in an effort to determine whether there were changes in using internal fixation techniques.
Patients and methods: Two thousand nine hundred and one cases of facial trauma were assessed according to age, sex, and aetiology, in addition to the distribution of the fractures relating to facial bones and seasons.
Results: It was found that facial fractures were most frequent in males (77.5%) and in the 0-10 year age group; they tended to be more frequent during summer (36.3%); and traffic accidents were the most common aetiological factor (38%). 77.9% of cases were treated with conservative methods, and 22.1% with one or more internal fixation techniques. The most favoured technique was miniplate osteosynthesis; the complication rate associated with internal fixation was 5.7%.
Conclusion: Currently there are many techniques to be used in treating maxillofacial trauma. However, the experience of the surgical team is also an important factor in achieving satisfactory functional and aesthetic results, and in minimizing complications.