Pattern of Maxillofacial Injuries Among Road Traffic Accident Victims at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) constitute one of the most frequent causes of maxillofacial trauma in Nigeria, with the North West geopolitical zone reporting disproportionately high incidence rates attributable to poor road infrastructure and limited enforcement of traffic regulations. This descriptive cross-sectional study investigates the pattern, anatomical distribution, and immediate management of maxillofacial injuries among RTA victims presenting at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, from January 2021 to December 2023. A structured proforma was used to capture data from 290 consecutively enrolled participants, covering age, sex, nature of accident, time of incident, type of injury, body region affected, and initial management provided. Results indicate that soft tissue lacerations and mandibular fractures are the predominant injury types, with motorcyclists comprising over 55% of affected patients. Non-usage of helmets was documented in 78% of motorcycle-related cases. The study further highlights that a significant proportion of patients received inadequate pre-hospital care before reaching the tertiary facility. Findings are relevant to trauma surgeons, road safety authorities, and policymakers seeking to reduce injury severity through targeted interventions. The study contributes to the growing body of evidence on trauma epidemiology in northern Nigeria and recommends the integration of basic maxillofacial trauma care into emergency response training programs across the zone. Keywords: maxillofacial trauma, road traffic accidents, mandibular fracture, Zaria, North West Nigeria.