Pattern of Traumatic Maxillofacial Injuries: An Autopsy-Based Observational Study at SMS Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Abstract

Background: Traumatic maxillofacial injuries are frequently encountered in medicolegal autopsies and are commonly associated with road traffic accidents and severe craniofacial trauma. The present study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological profile, injury pattern, and medicolegal significance of fatal maxillofacial injuries. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive autopsy-based observational study was conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, from September 2024 to January 2025. A total of 100 fatal traumatic maxillofacial injury cases were included. Data regarding demographic profile, mechanism of injury, external facial injuries, facial bone fractures, associated injuries, victim category, helmet use, cause of death, and survival period were collected during medicolegal autopsy and analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Males constituted 89% of cases, with the highest incidence in the 21–30-year age group (35%). Road traffic accidents accounted for 90% of injuries, with two-wheeler occupants forming the largest victim group. External injuries most frequently involved the maxillary region (53%), followed by the mandibular (44%) and zygomatic (41%) regions. Maxillary (28%) and mandibular (27%) fractures were the most common facial bone fractures. Head injury was the leading fatal injury (63%), while coma was the most common cause of death (60%). Among two-wheeler riders, 68.8% were not wearing helmets. Conclusion: Fatal maxillofacial injuries predominantly affect young adult males and are mainly caused by road traffic accidents. Strict enforcement of road safety measures, particularly compulsory use of standard full-face helmets, along with improved trauma care, may reduce the incidence and mortality associated with these injuries. Early recognition of facial injuries and strict compliance with helmet use may substantially reduce mortality associated with maxillofacial trauma.

Keywords: Maxillofacial trauma; Autopsy; Road traffic accidents; Facial fractures; Medicolegal; Helmet use.