Surreal illustration of a fractured face merging with a highway, symbolizing maxillofacial injuries from road accidents in Saudi Arabia.

Face Forward: Understanding Facial Fracture Patterns in Saudi Arabia

Author's portrait.
Nico Varela in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A decade-long study in Hofuf reveals surprising insights into the causes and demographics of maxillofacial injuries, offering critical data for prevention and treatment."


Facial injuries, or maxillofacial injuries, are a major health concern worldwide due to the face's high exposure. These injuries impact workload, treatment costs, and the psychological well-being of victims. Understanding the factors that contribute to these injuries is crucial for effective prevention and treatment.

The nature of maxillofacial injuries varies significantly across different populations and regions. Factors such as geographic location, culture, socioeconomic status, and population density influence the types and distribution of these injuries. Therefore, detailed studies are essential to understanding local patterns.

To address the gap in knowledge about maxillofacial fractures in the Al-Ahsa region of Saudi Arabia, a 10-year retrospective study was conducted at King Fahad Hospital in Hofuf. This study analyzed the incidence, causes, and types of maxillofacial fractures to provide insights relevant to this specific population.

Who's Most at Risk? Key Findings from the Hofuf Study

Surreal illustration of a fractured face merging with a highway, symbolizing maxillofacial injuries from road accidents in Saudi Arabia.

The study, which examined 270 patients treated for maxillofacial fractures between 2007 and 2016, revealed several key trends:

The data showed a disproportionately high incidence of maxillofacial fractures among males, accounting for 89.3% of the cases. Young adults, aged 19 to 44, were the most affected age group, representing 65.6% of the patients. This suggests that young men in this region may be more prone to activities or circumstances that increase their risk of facial injuries.

  • Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs): RTAs were the leading cause of maxillofacial fractures, accounting for 63.3% of cases. This highlights the urgent need for improved road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.
  • Falls: Falls were the second most common cause, responsible for 15.9% of fractures.
  • Mandibular Fractures: Fractures of the mandible (lower jaw) were more common (54.6%) than mid-facial fractures (45.4%). Among mandibular fractures, parasymphyseal fractures were the most prevalent type.
  • Zygomatic Fractures: Zygomatic fractures (cheekbone) were the most common type of midface fracture, accounting for 48.6% of cases.
These findings align with similar studies conducted in other regions of Saudi Arabia, reinforcing the need for targeted interventions to reduce the incidence of RTAs and improve overall safety, particularly among young males.

What Does This Mean for Prevention?

The study's findings emphasize the critical need for enhanced road safety education and stricter enforcement of traffic laws in the Al-Ahsa region. Targeting young adults, particularly males, with educational campaigns focused on responsible driving and adherence to traffic regulations could significantly reduce the number of RTAs and associated maxillofacial injuries.

Given that falls were the second leading cause of fractures, preventive measures should also focus on fall prevention, especially among children and the elderly. This may include improving home safety, promoting awareness of fall hazards, and implementing community-based programs to enhance balance and coordination.

Further research with larger sample sizes and broader geographical representation is recommended to gain a more comprehensive understanding of maxillofacial fracture patterns across Saudi Arabia. Such studies can inform the development of targeted prevention strategies and improve the management of facial trauma cases.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

Who is most likely to experience maxillofacial fractures based on the study in Hofuf?

The study conducted in Hofuf indicated that males are disproportionately affected by maxillofacial fractures, accounting for 89.3% of cases. Young adults, specifically those aged 19 to 44, are the most vulnerable group, representing 65.6% of the patients. This suggests that young men in the region may be more prone to activities or circumstances that increase their risk of facial injuries.

2

What is the primary cause of maxillofacial injuries identified in the Hofuf study, and what does this suggest for prevention?

Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) were identified as the leading cause of maxillofacial fractures in Hofuf, accounting for 63.3% of the cases. This highlights the urgent need for improved road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to reduce the incidence of these injuries. The data underscores that safer roads could significantly reduce maxillofacial injuries.

3

What types of facial fractures are most common, according to the maxillofacial injury study conducted in Hofuf?

The Hofuf study revealed that fractures of the mandible, or lower jaw, were more common (54.6%) than mid-facial fractures (45.4%). Among mandibular fractures, parasymphyseal fractures were the most prevalent type. For midface fractures, zygomatic fractures (cheekbone) were the most common, accounting for 48.6% of cases. This distribution is crucial for surgeons preparing for treatment.

4

What are the broader implications of the maxillofacial fracture patterns observed in Hofuf, and what preventative measures are suggested?

The implications of the maxillofacial fracture patterns observed in Hofuf suggest a critical need for targeted prevention strategies, especially among young males. By focusing on road safety education and stricter enforcement of traffic laws, it's possible to reduce the high incidence of Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs), the leading cause of these injuries. These findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions to address the specific demographic and causative factors identified in the study.

5

What aspects of maxillofacial fractures were not extensively covered in the Hofuf study, and what further research could be beneficial?

While the study provided valuable data on the incidence, causes, and types of maxillofacial fractures in Hofuf, it did not extensively cover the long-term psychological impact on patients or the effectiveness of various treatment methods. Future research could explore the psychological recovery process, the benefits of different surgical techniques, and the role of rehabilitation in improving patient outcomes following maxillofacial injuries.

Newsletter Subscribe

Subscribe to get the latest articles and insights directly in your inbox.