Ocular Complications of Mid-facial Fractures at a Teritary Health Institution in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Ocular injuries are frequently present in patients who sustained mid-facial fractures. Pattern and presentation of ocular injury vary with facial fractures. This goal aimed to determine the epidemiology of mid-facial fractures and the pattern of associated ocular injuries.

Materials and Methods
All consecutive patients with mid-facial fractures that presented to the Accident and Emergency Unit of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital between January 2019 and December 2021 were assessed for ocular involvement. The type of mid-facial fracture and associated ocular injury sustained were recorded.

Results: A total of forty-four patients with mid-facial fractures were seen. Forty-four patients (34 males and 8 females) had associated ocular involvement. The mean age of the patients with mid facial fractures was 34.1 ± 13.3 years. Road traffic accident was the main etiologic factor (35 patients, 79.5%) followed by assault (5 patients, 11.3%).

Zygomatic complex fractures were the most common mid-facial fractures and had the highest incidence of ocular injuries. Ocular injuries ranged from subconjunctival ecchymosis to blindness.

Conclusion: Patient with mid-facial fractures are at high risk of ocular injuries. Early ophthalmologic review is recommended for patients with mid-facial fracture.