Facial lacerations: Etiology and patterns in Delta State, Nigeria

Open Access

Abstract

The face is particularly vulnerable to injuries as it is an exposed part of the body The usual causes of facial lacerations include fight, fall, assault, road traffic or boat accidents ,gun shots and other frequent traumatic episodes. Lacerations could be associated with other more severe injuries like facial fractures. Untreated or improperly treated facial lacerations result in facial scarring which can have negative psychological impact on the patient.The aim of this study is to determine the etiology and patterns of facial lacerations in Delta State, Nigeria. The study was carried out in Abraka, Eku, and Obiaruku in Delta State, Nigeria. The study participants included both females and males who attended the Government hospitals for the treatment of facial lacerations from 2016 to 2020. Ethical clearance was obtained prior to the study. Data obtained was subjected to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 22 for the purpose of analysis. This study utilized 247 subjects (126 females and 121 males). Most of the study subjects were within the ages of 23-35 years and were from the Urhobo ethnic group.