Treatment outcomes of maxillofacial fractures associated with head injuries: an observational study

Background: The anatomical closeness of the facial bone to the neurocranium increases the risk for concomitant head injuries. Patient’s survival is largely dependent on the severity of the concomitant head injury; and prognosis improves with early intervention. However, detailed account of factors in patients with concomitant maxillofacial and head injuries that can determine the treatment outcomes is lacking. Objective: This observational study seek to assess treatment outcomes in patients with concomitant head and maxillofacial injuries. Methods: This is an observational study of sixty-one patients with concomitant maxillofacial fractures and head injuries in our hospital over a 26-month period. Information obtained included, age, anatomic sites of maxillofacial fractures and skull fracture, type and location of intracranial injuries, maxillofacial fracture treatment outcome and Glasgow outcome scale. Results: Fracture site infection and facial deformity were the only adverse outcome of maxillofacial injuries at 6 weeks. There was no significant association between age and treatment outcome. The GOS showed a steady improvement from good recovery in 37 (60.7%) patients at first week to 53 (86.9%) at sixth months. Patients with mild head injury had a significant better outcome than those with severe head injury. Conclusion: Fracture site infection and facial deformity are the facial adverse outcome seen. Patient’s age have no significant effect on treatment outcome. Treatment outcome was good in most patients (86.9%).There was a statistically significant association between the severity and outcome of head injury in the study.