Analyzing the Burden of Midface Fractures Due to Road Traffic Accidents in Vietnam: An Epidemiological Approach.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Road traffic accidents have significantly impacted public health in Vietnam. This study investigated the patterns of midface fractures in Vietnam and their correlation with road traffic accidents in the country. METHODOLOGY: This retrospective cross-sectional study reviewed 2187 medical records of patients with midface fractures in Ho Chi Minh City. After applying exclusion criteria, the fractures were categorized. Statistical analyses, including chi-squared and logistic regression, were conducted to identify associations and relationships among the types and causes of fractures. RESULTS: The study found that 89.3% of midface fractures stemmed from road traffic accidents, with 55.2% and 14.4% zygomatic complex fractures and Le Fort type II fractures, respectively. Adults aged 19-39 accounted for 65.1% of patients, with males at 80.5%. Traffic accidents were significantly associated with an 18.7 times higher risk of concomitant mandibular fractures and a 10.5 times higher risk of Le Fort type II fractures, irrespective of age and gender. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the need for targeted prevention strategies to decrease the incidence of maxillofacial injuries resulting from road traffic accidents in Vietnam, particularly among high-risk groups such as males and young adults.