THE INCIDENCE AND MANAGEMENT OF TRAUMATIC FACIAL INJURY: 854 PATIENTS IN 4 MONTHS IN CHARLOTTE MAXEKE JOHANNESBURG ACADEMIC HOSPITAL (CMJA), SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Trauma is the second leading of cause of death in South Africa. 3,5 million South Africans attended Trauma Units with injuries in 2015.  Research has shown that the incidence of trauma has continued to increase in South Africa placing a significant burden on the health care system and society. This is the first epidemiological facial soft tissue trauma study has been completed in South Africa. The main aim was to define the epidemiology and management of facial trauma injuries. METHODS AND MATERIALS: It was a retrospective population study to delineate the epidemiology of facial trauma incident in a large academic hospital in Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital Johannesburg the between October 2016- January 2017.Data were included age, gender, mechanism of injury, length of stay in trauma units, Injury Severity Score (ISS). RESULTS: Out of 1505 patients included in this study. The mean age was 34.5±11.9 years. Interpersonal violence was most common cause of facial injury 56.7% (n=854) followed by road traffic accident 22.10%(n=332). Falls and others attributed were 21.7% (n=320). CONCLUSION: There were high incidents of facial poly-trauma in South Africa. Therefore it is important to develop protocol which includes multidisciplinary approach.