Incidence of Maxillofacial Trauma Associated with Complications of Airway

Abstract

Summary: Objective: To determine the incidence of the maxillofacial trauma
and its relationship with airway complications in a third level institution of Santiago de Cali.
Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study, a convenience sample was taken from clinical
records of patients older than15 years with clinical diagnosis of maxillofacial trauma, from January
1st to December 31st, 2005. A total of 331 clinical histories were reviewed. After selection
criteria were applied, a total of 199 clinical histories were selected. Results: A greater
proportion of men (81.4 %) were affected by maxillofacial trauma. The major cause of trauma was
traffic accident (89 %). Malar bone was the most affected by fracture (29 cases). Thirteen of 199
cases required airway management, due to neurological compromise or active hemorrhages, as well as
obstruction of airway caused by foreign bodies. Conclusions: Major maxillofacial traumas are
associated with airway compromise and its clearance becomes difficult by the disruption of face
anatomy. Key words: Airway management. Maxillofacial trauma. Airway obstruction.