Relationship between orofacial trauma and stomatognathic injuries in forensic odontology reports from lima, 2023-2024

Abstract

Objective: To determine the association between the type of causative agent of orofacial trauma and stomatognathic injuries recorded in forensic odontology reports from Lima during the 2023–2024 period.

Materials and methods: An observational, retrospective, cross-sectional, and correlational study was conducted on 266 forensic odontology reports issued by the Forensic Clinical Unit of the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences of Peru. Variables related to causative agents and injuries involving soft tissues, dental tissues, periodontal tissues, and alveolar bone were analyzed. Statistical analysis included frequencies, Pearson’s Chi-square test, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient.

Results: Blunt trauma was the predominant causative mechanism (86.1%). Soft tissue injuries were the most frequent findings (78.6%), followed by periodontal and dental injuries. A statistically significant association was found between the type of causative agent and stomatognathic injuries (X²=130.938; p<0.001), with a moderate positive correlation (rho=0.608).

Conclusions: Stomatognathic injuries recorded in forensic odontology reports were significantly associated with the type of causative agent of orofacial trauma. Blunt trauma represented the main injury mechanism and was predominantly associated with soft tissue injuries.