Causes, Patterns and Medico Legal Implications of Dental-maxillo Facial Injuries in Child and Adult Female Victims Admitted to Three Selected Hospitals in Galle District: A Pilot Study.

Abstract

Background: Oral-maxillary facial injuries (OMFI) constitute a significant component of multiple body to injuries. The World Health Organization reported that assault or interpersonal violence traumas caused by road traffic accidents (RTA), falls, and assaults. The face is the most vulnerable area of the injuries (IPV) are more prevalent in women. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the medico-legal implications of OMFI. Objective: To study the causes, patterns and medico-legal implications of OMF injuries in female victims admitted to three selected hospitals in Galle district Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted on 150 female victims admitted to three selected hospitals in Galle district. Convenient sampling method was used and data was collected using a specially designed, pre-tested questionnaire including questions to assess demographic details, etiology and injury types. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 28.0.

Results: Out of all participants, 116 (77.3%) were adult females (>18 years) and 34 (22.7%) were children (<18 years). The commonest injury was the abrasions (38.3%) followed by lacerations (31.3%) and contusions (16.2%). The commonest anatomical area was on the frontal region (34.2%) and the least common area for injuries was the lower lip. When the etiology was concerned RTA was observed in 37.3% followed by accidental falls (30.7%) and a few (1.3%) were following animal bites. The majority (64%) of OMF injuries were categorized as non grievous according to the Penal Code of Sri Lanka. There were significant associations on injury type with age of the victims (p=0.014) and etiology of injury (p=0.007).

Conclusions: This pilot study shows that the commonest cause for OMF injuries was RTA and the commonest area was the frontal region. Educational programmes should be conducted to improve the awareness on road safety and rules will be beneficial to reduce incidence of RTA related OMFI.