Characteristics of maxillofacial trauma in females: a retrospective analysis of 367 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological characteristics of maxillofacial injuries are typically reported for male patients, as males represent 70% of the studied population. This retrospective study analysed the aetiology and patterns of maxillofacial fractures in female patients only. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 367 female patients, examined between 2001 and 2008, were divided into three age groups (<16, 17-60, and >60 years). Data were collected on aetiology, fracture site, associated lesions, type of treatment, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: The typical female patient presented a mean age of 43 and 25% were over 60 years of age. Falls were the most frequent cause of maxillofacial trauma (43%), followed by motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) (38.7%), assaults (9.3%), sports accidents (6.3%), and other causes (2.7%). The middle third of the face was most frequently affected (53.9%). Associated fractures, mostly orthopaedic and secondary to MVAs, occurred in 23.2% of cases. The over-60 age group had the greatest number of non-operated fractures (27.9%) and the longest mean hospital stay (5.7 days). CONCLUSIONS: This study considered only the female population, thereby highlighting epidemiological characteristics of maxillofacial trauma not apparent in the existing literature. Clear distinctions between genders are important for better comparison of data in the future. Copyright (c) 2009 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.