article · Pan African Medical Journal
Maxillofacial injuries frequently affect the zygomatic bone due to its facial prominence, potentially leading to cosmetic, functional, and psychological complications. A prospective cross-sectional assessment of 420 patients with facial trauma presenting to Muhimbili National Hospital identified 137 individuals with zygomatic fractures. Using patient questionnaires and head computed tomography imaging, the investigation determined that young adult males aged 20 to 29 were predominantly affected, with men outnumbering women by a ratio of 7.5 to 1. Road traffic accidents represented the primary cause of these injuries. Radiographic evaluations showed that the majority of zygomatic fractures were not significantly displaced, and fractures involving disruption of the orbital floor were uncommon. When associated facial injuries occurred, the maxillary bone was the most frequent concomitant fracture site.
Facial fractures can cause long-term disability and emotional distress if not managed effectively. Understanding the main causes and presentation patterns of these injuries helps healthcare providers allocate diagnostic resources, plan clinical care, and support public health officials in designing targeted road safety measures to protect high-risk demographics.
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The zygomatic bone is frequently fractured following maxillofacial injuries due to its prominence. Fracture of this bone has functional, cosmetic, and psychological effects. Proper management is therefore crucial. Data on the etiology and pattern of zygoma fracture will aid in planning management and setting appropriate preventive measures. The study aimed to determine the etiology and pattern of zygomatic bone fractures among patients with facial injuries attending Muhimbili National Hospital. We carried out a prospective hospital-based cross-sectional study where a consecutive sampling of patients with facial injuries attending Muhimbili National Hospital from May 2021 to March 2022 was done. We interviewed patients with facial injuries on their socio-demographics and etiology of injury using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Thereafter, we used a CT scan of the head to record the pattern of the zygomatic bone fracture. Data were entered in the SPSS computer program version 20.0 for analysis and were presented in the form of frequency distribution tables, graphs, and means. We examined 420 patients with facial injuries; among them, 137 patients had zygomatic bone fractures. The majority were males, and the male-to-female ratio was 7.5:1. Most fractures were found in the age group 20-29 years. The majority of fractures were due to road traffic accidents (RTA). Most patients had no significantly displaced fractures, and fractures with orbital floor involvement were rare. The maxillary bone was the most common concomitant fracture. Zygomatic bone fractures occurred mostly in males in their third decade. Road traffic accidents account for most fractures. Most fractures had no significant displacement. Fractures with orbital floor disruption were rare. Maxillary bone was a common concomitant fracture.
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DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2025.52.13.42463
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