ABSTRACT
A survey was undertaken to assess the pattern of maxillofacial trauma in Ireland in the year 1994. A total number of 598 patients were seen with facial trauma at the National Maxillofacial Unit at St. James's Hospital, Dublin. The most common fracture site was the mandible [42.7%], followed by the malar [41.3%].The male to female ratio was 4.1: 1 and the highest proportion of patients were in the 20-29 years age group. Alleged assault is the most common cause of facial fractures accounting for 52.3%, followed by sports injuries 20.2%. Road traffic accidents accounted for 15.3%. The most common complication prior to surgery was sensory nerve deficit accounting for 55.2%. Eleven cases [0.18%] of blindness due to facial injuries were recorded. There were two deaths in patients who sustained severe craniofacial injuries, both being due to the severity of their head injuries