Non-white people have a greater risk for maxillofacial trauma: findings from a 24-month retrospective study in Brazil

Aim: To identify the predominant causes and types of maxillofacial trauma in Brazil. Methods: Reports of corporal trauma (7,536) between 2009-2010 in the Brazilian Institute of Forensic Medicine were analyzed as to the presence of maxillofacial traumas. Victims’ demographic and trauma characteristics were recorded. Results: Data were submitted to chi-square test and to multivariate Poisson regression. 778 reports referred maxillofacial trauma. Most victims were men (50.8%) around 27.6 years. Main causes were physical aggression (88.1%) and traffic accidents (6.7%). The most affected extraoral area was the middle third (60.7%). Risk for trauma in the middle third was significantly higher among patients aged 61-75 (RR 1.32), and non-white patients (black-skinned RR 1.21; brown-skinned RR 1.18); while falls were associated with trauma in the lower third (RR1.79). Conclusions: Violence was the main cause of maxillofacial trauma. Prevention of interpersonal violence may be a key element to prevent maxillofacial trauma.