Amaka P Ehighibe*, Ifeanyi I Onah and Ezekiel Nwankwo
Introducton: The mandible is the most commonly fractured facial bone following maxillofacial trauma. The aetiology and pattern of mandibular fractures vary geographically. Contributory factors are motorcycle use, reckless driving, alcohol and substance abuse and bad roads. Road traffic legislation, use of seat belts and personal protective wear, have been shown to reduce the incidence of accidents. The use of motorcycles for commercial transport was banned in Enugu state in 2012.
Aims & Objectives: To show the change in aetiology and incidence of mandibular fractures since this legislative act was instituted in the state.
Materials & Methods: Patients’ records with mandibular fractures between 2012 and 2017 were evaluated. Age, sex, aetiology of fracture, pattern of fracture, time of year and treatment modality used were considered.
Results: A total of 98 patients were studied. There were 60 patients in the first 5 years and 38 patients in the second 6 years. The demographics between both groups were similar, with a greater percentage of males (73.3% males and 26.7% females in the first five years and 86.8% males and 13.2% females in the second six years). Majority of the fractures occurred in young males between the ages of 21 and 30 in both time frames studied.
Conclusion: The incidence of mandibular fractures in our study showed a steady decline from 2012 when motorcycles were banned and traffic laws strictly enforced in Enugu State. This study shows the positive impact of legislation on health and disease.
