Pillay, LingeswaraMabongo, MzubanziBuch, Brian2018-10-182018-10-182018-06Pillay, L., Mabongo, M. & Buch, B. 2018, 'Prevalence and aetiological factors of maxillofacial trauma in a rural district hospital in the Eastern Cape', South African Dental Journal, vol. 73, no. 5, pp. 348-353.1029-4864 (print)2519-0105 (online)10.17159/2519-0105/2018/v73no5a4http://hdl.handle.net/2263/66933AIM : To determine the prevalence, aetiological factors and demographic data of patients presenting with injuries sustained from maxillofacial trauma over a six month period at Zithulele Hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS : In a retrospective, descriptive study, data collected and analysed included records of all patients who had suffered maxillofacial trauma, their demographics, clinical features and the aetiology. The radiographic records were assessed by a maxillofacial surgeon and a radiologist for a diagnosis as well as gaining opinions regarding the types of fractures observed. RESULTS : A total of 239 patients sustained maxillofacial trauma. The most common aetiological factor was interpersonal violence (55%) followed by road traffic accidents (16%), falls (10%), animals (4%) and other causes (2%). The male to female ratio was 2.6:1 and the 18-24 years age group endured the most trauma. A total of 210 (88%) patients sustained soft tissue injuries while 29 (12%) experienced hard tissue injuries, with 39 fractures diagnosed. A total of 165 maxillofacial radiographs were assessed, 37% were diagnostically acceptable, 56% had poor diagnostic value and 7% had no diagnostic value. CONCLUSION : Maxillofacial trauma is prevalent in rural parts of South Africa. Males aged 18-24 years are frequent victims, with interpersonal violence being the major aetiology.en© 2018 E-Doc ccPatientsInjuriesMaxillofacial traumaZithulele HospitalPrevalenceAetiological factorsDemographic dataArticle