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Prospective audit of mandibular fractures at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital


J Desai
JF Lownie
P Cleaton-Jones

Abstract

Objective. This study was a prospective cross-sectional clinical audit of patients with mandibular fractures at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. Methods. Between 1 March and 31 August 2004, patients with mandibular fractures seen by one clinician had their details recorded. Results. The female:male ratio of the study sample of 133 patients was 1:6. Seventy-seven per cent were aged 20 - 39 years. Most fractures (86%) were the result of interpersonal violence, and 65% were alcohol-associated. Open reduction (75%) was the most common treatment. Conclusion. This study had the highest interpersonal violence and open reduction rates of all the studies reviewed.

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eISSN: 2078-5151
print ISSN: 0038-2361