A Retrospective Study of Oral and Maxillofacial Injuries in an Emergency Hospital in Southern Brazil

Objective: To identify and analyze cases of OMF treated in an emergency hospital in southern Brazil. Material and Methods: The investigators conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study. The sample was composed of 1,533 patient medical records. Demographic, seasonal, and clinical variables were collected. Additionally, the medical records also included data on etiological factors, injury site, and tissues involved. A descriptive analysis was conducted based on 1,179 (76.9%) records of OMF injuries. Results: Most patients were male children and adolescents. Accidents (59.7%), such as falls, and interpersonal violence (18.7%), such as physical aggression, were the main etiological factors. Most injuries involved soft tissue (66.4%), especially in the lip region; whereas fractures affected the nasal bones. Transfers and hospitalizations accounted for 8.1% of clinical outcomes and dentists participated in the treatment of 85% of cases. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest a higher prevalence of OMF injuries in men, affecting young people more frequently and showing falls as the main etiological factor. Dentists participated in the majority of the medical care. Future studies will focus on determining risk groups, developing preventive programs, and improving health care services, with the participation of dentists in the multidisciplinary team.