Abstract
Introduction: Maxillofacial trauma patterns vary by region and terrain. In Nepal, most studies come from urban or highway-adjacent centers. Data from hilly, rural districts are limited.
Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study at Lumbini Medical College and Teaching Hospital in western Nepal from June 2024 to May 2025. All patients with oral and maxillofacial injuries were included. Data on demographics, injury cause, fracture type, and associated injuries were recorded and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: A total of 123 patients were enrolled. Males predominated (67.48%), with a male-to-female ratio of 2.08:1. The peak age group was 21–30 years (22.76%). Falls were the leading cause of injury (51.22%), followed by road traffic accidents (33.33%) and physical assault (8.94%). Skeletal fractures occurred in 41.46% of patients. Midface fractures were more common (50.98%) than mandibular fractures (31.37%). Among midface injuries, zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures were the most frequent (76.92%). The parasymphysis was the predominant mandibular fracture site (68.75%). Concomitant extrafacial injuries were seen in 30.08% of patients, most commonly head injury (17.89%) and orthopedic injuries (16.26%).
Conclusion: In the hilly districts of western Nepal, falls are the primary cause of maxillofacial trauma, and midface fractures outnumber mandibular fractures. These findings reflect local geography and occupational risks. Region-specific prevention and multidisciplinary triage protocols are needed.
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