Incidence of Le Fort Fractures in Western Maharashtra

Abstract

Le Fort fractures, intricate midfacial injuries resulting from blunt force trauma, were meticulously studied in the Western Maharashtra region, with a specific focus on cases treated at the school of dental sciences in Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad. This study, spanning from June 2019 to June 2023, aimed to provide a detailed analysis of the incidence, demographic distribution, etiological factors, and treatment modalities associated with Le Fort fractures. The cohort comprised 86 patients, predominantly male (81.39%), highlighting a distinct gender predilection. Road traffic accidents emerged as the primary cause, constituting 36.04% of cases, followed by falls, violence, sports-related injuries, and industrial accidents. Gender-specific variations in etiology were observed, with road traffic accidents and sports-related injuries more prevalent among males, while violence and assault played a significant role in females. Diagnosis involved a comprehensive approach, combining clinical assessments and various radiological techniques, including PNS view, Water’s view, Submentovertex view, OPG, and CT scans. Treatment strategies were tailored based on fracture patterns, with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) being the preferred surgical intervention in 92.74% of cases. The findings underscore the significance of road traffic accident prevention and public awareness campaigns. The study not only advances our understanding of Le Fort fractures but also provides practical implications for optimizing diagnostic and treatment approaches in clinical practice, particularly in the realm of oral and maxillofacial surgery.