The pattern of maxillofacial fractures associated with rollover accidents: A 7-year retrospective study

BACKGROUND/AIM

This study aimed to assess the incidence and pattern of maxillofacial fractures and related demographic data in the victims of rollover crashes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study was based on medical records of patients who sustained maxillofacial injuries following rollover accidents. Investigated data included age, gender, accident date and time, accident cause, seat belt usage, airbag deployment, road type, anatomical location of the facial fracture, and treatment approach.

RESULTS

Among the 147 patients who met the inclusion criteria, the most prevalent age groups were 20-30 (36.7%) and 30-40 (32.7%) years, with a mean age of 33.6 ± 9.7 years. The male-to-female ratio was 6:1. Most crashes occurred in March, August, and July. These accidents involved 69.4% light vehicles and 39.6% heavy vehicles. The leading causes of rollover crashes were speeding (58.5%) followed by distracted driving (21.1%) and traffic rule violations (13.6%). The most prevalent injuries were fractures of the maxillary sinus wall (40.8%), nasal bones (39.5%), zygomaticomaxillary complex (36.1%), and the mandible (32.6%). Surgical intervention was necessary for 44.2% of patients, while 12.9% of cases underwent close reduction, and 42.9% did not require any surgical intervention. The occurrence of nasal bone fractures was significantly lower in cases where seat belts were worn and zygomatic arch fractures were less frequent in incidents with airbag deployment.

CONCLUSIONS

In rollover crashes, the midface is the most vulnerable anatomical location. Utilization of seat belts and airbag deployment has the potential to prevent nasal bone and zygomatic arch fractures.

Epidemiology of maxillofacial injuries during monsoon and non-monsoon season in India: a data-based retrospective study from a tertiary care dental teaching hospital

Background

Maxillofacial Injury (MFI) is a major public health concern that is multifactorial in etiology-road traffic accidents (RTAs), falls and violence. RTAs are the major cause of maxillofacial injuries (MFIs) in countries like India. Recent studies have shown that maxillofacial fractures (MFF) constitute a significant proportion of facial injuries seen in hospitals (56.5%). The incidence of maxillofacial fractures can vary depending on several factors, including age, gender, and environmental factors. Of particular concern is the impact of seasonal variations, such as the monsoon season, which lead to high incidence of maxillofacial fractures due to hazardous conditions.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records was done in a tertiary-care dental teaching hospital was done.

Results

Data of 200 subjects including 154 males (77%) and 46 females (23%) with a mean age of 35.38 ± 16.541 years; age range: 1 - 80 years was analyzed. A total of 200 MFI's were recorded between 2021 and 2022. Soft tissue injuries were reported in 37.5% of the cases in non-monsoon season and 42.3% of the cases during the monsoon season. Dentoalveolar fractures were reported in 6.2% of the cases during the non-monsoon seasons and 7.7% during the monsoon season. In this study, mandible was the most fractured bone (n=104,52%) followed by zygomatic complex (n=50, 25%). The frequently observed pattern among mandibular fracture was condyle 8.3% during the non-monsoon season and 2.9% during the monsoon season).

Conclusions

The results of the study indicate that mandibular fractures are most commonly seen in maxillofacial fractures, followed by fractures of the zygomatic complex. The study also reveals a higher incidence of soft tissue injuries and dentoalveolar fractures during the monsoon season. Further research is warranted to explore the factors that contribute to the seasonal variation in maxillofacial fractures for effective interventions to reduce their occurrence.

Prevalence and pattern of maxillofacial injuries associated with domestic violence: A retrospective study at a major trauma center

BACKGROUND/AIM

This study aimed to analyze the frequency and pattern of maxillofacial injuries associated with domestic violence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records of victims of domestic violence between May 2016 and May 2023 were scrutinized retrospectively. The following data were analyzed: gender and age, history of previous abuse, hospital admission, pregnancy, type of facial injuries, anatomical location of injuries, side of injuries, concomitant injuries, mechanism of impact, treatment modality, and history of drug and alcohol abuse.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight patients were included, comprising of 75 (96.2%) women and 3 (3.8%) men. Domestic violence was an etiology of 2.7% of all maxillofacial injuries. The mean age was 27.06 ± 5.5 years. 33.3% of cases had a history of previous domestic violence. The assailant was drug addicted in 47.4% of cases. The attacker was the current partner of the victim in 79.5% of the victims. Soft tissue injuries were found in 96.1% of cases. Maxillofacial fracture was observed in 52.6% of victims among which zygoma was the most common (16.7%) followed by the nose and mandible (15.4%). Isolated fracture was observed in 85.3% of patients and 71.8% of the injuries were observed on the left. Concomitant injuries were present in 51.3% of patients with arms/hands being the most frequent (48.7%). Punch (67.9%) constituted the majority of the mechanism of impact. Based on the statistical analysis, punches resulted in significantly higher soft tissue contusion (p = .046), and injuries that required no intervention were significantly higher in punched victims (p = .002).

CONCLUSION

Maxillofacial soft tissue injuries with or without isolated fracture on the left side of the zygoma, mandibular angle, or nose in association with arms/hands injuries in young adult women could be clues of domestic violence. Appropriate care such as preventive programs for drug or alcohol abuse should be implemented to reduce domestic violence, thereby reducing these injuries.

A cross-sectional study of the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on domestic violence-related oral and maxillofacial injuries

BACKGROUND

During the COVID-19 lockdown, more domestic violence-related traumas were reported. In this study, we investigated and compared the incidence of domestic violence-related injuries-in particular oral and maxillofacial injuries-in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, before and during the COVID-19 lockdown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study based on 3974 domestic violence cases registered at the Public Health Department, National Traumatology and Orthopedics Research Center of Mongolia between 2018 and 2022. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. The victims were categorized according to their age (child, adult, and elderly).

RESULTS

The mean age of the victims was children 9.7 ± 5.4 years, adults 34.8 ± 8.3 years, and elderly 64.3 ± 8.7 years. Binary logistic regression analysis (no/yes) showed that oral and maxillofacial injuries during the lockdown increased 1.3 times (OR = 1.3; CI 95% = 1.0-1.6; p = .003) in adults and 2.5 times in children (OR = 2.5; CI 95% = 1.7-3.9; p = .001). Additionally, injuries to upper limbs increased 4.6 times (OR = 4.6; CI 95% = 3.5-6.1; p = .001) in adults and 5.2 times in elderly patients (OR = 5.2; CI 95% = 1.8-16.2; p = .01). Additionally, thorax injury in children increased 3.1 times (OR = 3.1; CI 95% = 1.7-5.7; p = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

During the lockdown, injury to oral and maxillofacial regions increased in adult and child victims of domestic violence.

The profile of patients with maxillofacial trauma due to interpersonal violence treated in a hospital emergency room

AIM

This study evaluated records of patients with maxillofacial trauma due to interpersonal violence (IPV) being treated in the emergency room of a level I trauma center hospital in São Paulo, Brazil.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data of patients with maxillofacial trauma due to IPV recorded between January 2019 and December 2019 were retrospectively examined. Personal data, days on which they experienced IPV, and the type of maxillofacial trauma sustained were extracted and statistically analyzed (p < .050).

RESULTS

During the analysis, 1034 patients with maxillofacial trauma were identified; of these patients, 292 (28.2%) who experienced trauma due to IPV were included in this study. There was a mean age of 32.6 years and the most common type of trauma was soft tissue injuries (38.7%). Mandible and nose fractures were more prevalent in males and females, respectively. Our data, when compared with other studies on maxillofacial trauma due to IPV, showed a lower prevalence and male-to-female ratio, and a higher presence of dentoalveolar trauma. Additionally, our data when compared with studies on maxillofacial trauma due to other causes showed lower mean age and male-to-female ratios, and a higher occurrence of nose fractures differing from the predominance of mandibular fractures.

CONCLUSION

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons must be able to suspect and identify cases due to IPV among their patients with trauma. With our results, although each case has its individuality, we can suggest that cases of maxillofacial trauma in young, female, and nasal fracture patients may be suspicious for IPV.

Maxillofacial trauma caused by e-scooters: a retrospective review prior to the extension of the UK scheme

The nationwide extension of the electric scooter (e-scooter) scheme, which began in 2020, aimed to alleviate public transport congestion, to reduce pollution and peak-time road traffic. This retrospective study evaluates the range of e-scooter-related maxillofacial trauma before the recent scheme extension and compares the findings with existing literature on this topic. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, United Kingdom (UK) operates as a Level 1 Regional Major Trauma Centre and serves a population of four million. All patient records between September 2021 to September 2022 were analysed to establish the types of e-scooter-related maxillofacial trauma sustained. A Pearson's chi-squared test was used to assess for significant associations between variables recorded. Falls accounted for the majority of injuries (44.3%), and soft tissue lacerations were the most common maxillofacial injury (38%). Statistically significant results were measured in the following variables: gender and intoxication status (p = 0.007), helmet status and injuries sustained in maxillofacial and non-maxillofacial regions (p = 0.043), mechanism of injury and injuries sustained in both the maxillofacial and non-maxillofacial regions (p = 0.045). E-scooters are an emerging concern within the UK. Further studies across the UK are required to assess the frequency of e-scooter-related injuries. Such data may prove useful in determining the government's decision on e-scooter use on UK roads.

A retrospective comparative study of maxillofacial injury patterns caused by electric scooters and bicycles

BACKGROUND/AIM

The emergence of shared stand-up electric scooters has led to an increase in their usage and, subsequently, an increase in the incidence of maxillofacial trauma. This study aimed to investigate the trauma pattern associated with the use of stand-up electric scooters compared with that related to the use of bicycles, which was a popular mode of personal mobility before the emergence of stand-up electric scooters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study investigated the medical records of patients who visited Wonju Christian Hospital for maxillofacial trauma due to the use of stand-up electric scooter and bicycles between November 1, 2017 and October 31, 2022. Maxillofacial trauma was analyzed based on medical records, including those in the evaluation results of teeth, maxillofacial bones, and soft tissues.

RESULTS

Crown fractures and tooth avulsions were observed more frequently with the use of stand-up electric scooters than with the use of bicycles. In contrast, crown-root fractures, tooth subluxation, and extrusive luxation were more commonly observed in bicycle riders. Additionally, the proportion of root fractures was similar between the two groups. However, no vertical root fractures were observed in patients who rode bicycles. The maxillofacial bone fracture rates between the two groups were similar, although the fracture patterns were different.

CONCLUSION

The number of patients using stand-up electric scooters is increasing, and they are likely to have a worse prognosis compared with those using existing personal mobility devices.

Comparison of characteristics of kick- and electric-scooter-related dental and maxillofacial injuries: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND/AIM

Owing to the nearly three-year-long COVID-19 pandemic, small personal transportation devices that allow for greater freedom of movement within the cities have gained attention. Therefore, the number of people using kick or electric scooters has increased. This study aimed to compare the characteristics of kick and electric scooter-related dental and maxillofacial trauma and provide helpful information for preventing scooter accidents, appropriate treatment of patients with scooter-related trauma, and policy establishment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective observational study analysed the medical records of 310 patients who visited the emergency room of Ajou University Dental Hospital for kick and electric scooter-related oral and maxillofacial injuries between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2022. Sex, age, scooter type, time, and mechanism of the accident, helmet use, alcohol consumption, dental and maxillofacial injury types, and treatment were analysed.

RESULTS

The average age in the kick-scooter group (5.71 ± 4.25) was lower than that in the electric-scooter group (28.24 ± 10.02) (p < .0001). There were more males in both groups. The helmet usage rates of the two groups were 2.80% and 7.88%, respectively. In the kick-scooter group, periodontal damage was more common than pulp injury, while in the electric-scooter group, pulp injury was more common than periodontal injury. There was no significant difference in soft-tissue damage between the two groups; however, bone fractures occurred significantly more frequently in the electric-scooter group (p < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Electric scooters cause more crown and bone fractures than kick scooters and require more active treatment of dental and maxillofacial injuries. Riders should use protective equipment to prevent dental and maxillofacial injury. Although there are regulations related to scooters, the effectiveness of both kick- and electric-scooter related laws needs to be evaluated.

A meta-analysis to evaluate the prevalence of maxillofacial trauma caused by various etiologies among children and adolescents

AIMS

Children and adolescents who are affected by trauma may have complications that are more serious and dangerous. Herein, a meta-analysis to evaluate the prevalence of maxillofacial trauma caused by various etiologies according to the geographic regions of the world among children and adolescents was conducted.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive search was performed in four databases of PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus from January 1, 2006 until July 7, 2021. To evaluate the quality of included articles, an adapted version of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used. The prevalence of maxillofacial trauma was estimated by event rates and 95% confidence intervals in relation to etiology and geographic region of study population.

RESULTS

Through search in the databases and the electronic sources, 3071 records were identified, and 58 studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. A total of 264,433 maxillofacial trauma cases were reported by all included studies. Globally, the overall prevalence of maxillofacial trauma was highest due to Road Traffic Crashes (RTC) (33.8%) followed by falls (20.7%), violence (9.9%), and sports (8.1%) in children/adolescents. The highest prevalence of maxillofacial trauma were observed in African population (48.3%) while trauma due to falls was most prevalent in Asian population (44.1%). Maxillofacial trauma due to violence (27.6%) and sports (13.3%) were highest in North Americans.

CONCLUSION

The findings demonstrate that RTC was the most prevalent etiology of maxillofacial trauma in the world. The prevalent causes of maxillofacial trauma differed between the regions of study population.

Maxillofacial Injuries in an Eastern Nepal Tertiary Hospital

BACKGROUND

Maxillofacial injury is a major health problem, and injury patterns vary in different societies. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the pattern of maxillofacial injuries presenting to BPKIHS.

METHODS

Patients with age >15 years presenting with maxillofacial injuries from May, 2019 to April, 2020 were included in this cross-sectional descriptive study. Demographic profile, etiology, delay in presentation, pattern of soft tissue/ bony/ dental injuries, treatment modality were recorded and analyzed using Microsoft excel.

RESULTS

Within one year study period 190 patients with age group >15 years presented with facial injuries. There were 164 male (86.32%) and 26 female (13.68 %) patients (M:F=6.3: 1) with mean age of 34.96 years. Road Traffic Accident (RTA) (61.58%) was the most common etiology. Majority of the patients reported to hospital within 2-6 hrs of injury. Other associated injuries was present in 36.32 % of patients with orthopedic injury (60.87%) being common. Soft tissue injuries were seen in 80.53% patients, of which 49.02% were associated with facial fractures. Mandible fractures were seen in 56.19% of hard tissue injuries, of which 40.68% had multiple fractures followed by 28.81% with parasymphysis fracture. Within 37.14% patients with midface fractures, zygoma fracture (33.33%) was the commonest. Intervention was done in 80.95 % patients, with ORIF (72.38 %) being the commonest. Dentoalveolar injuries was seen in 22.63 % patients, of which 48.19% were associated with facial fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

Our observations show that motor vehicle accidents were the most frequent cause of maxillofacial injury.

Incidence and features of maxillofacial fractures at Jordanian tertiary hospital before, during and after the COVID-19 period

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this retrospective cohort study is to investigate the incidence and treatment of maxillofacial fractures before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This single-center study was conducted at King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH). The required data was obtained from the electronic clinical records of all patients in whom maxillofacial fractures were confirmed by plain radiography and computed tomography (CT) between January 2019 and December 2021, allowing for a 12-month period before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS

During the study period, 595 maxillofacial fractures in 311 patients (234 males and 77 females, mean age 27.28 years) were treated. The most frequent affected age was 21-30 years old in the before and after COvid- 19 period (92 patients, 29.58.%), while in during-COVID-19 period it was 11-20 years old (22 patients, 7.07%). There was similarity in male predominance, RTA cause, anatomical site was the mandible, the type anatomical complexity was single, treatment procedure was ORIF in all three periods.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of maxillofacial fractures during the COVID-19 pandemic period was lower compared to the periods before and after the pandemic. Given that most fractures were caused by RTAs, these findings are expected, as movement was restricted during lockdown.

Patterns and characteristics of maxillofacial fractures in women

PURPOSE

Facial trauma in women is complex with physical, psychosocial, and cultural influences impacting clinical presentations. Although multifactorial, assaults and falls are principally reported as the main causes.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted from January 2012 to January 2017 at the Women and Children's Hospital and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide. All maxillofacial fractures in women that attended or were referred to the unit were included in this study. The primary objective was to analyse epidemiological trends of facial fractures and clinical outcomes in the South Australian female population.

RESULTS

There is a bimodal distribution of facial fractures at 25-35 years and 65 + years. Indigenous females were 19.5 years younger than non-indigenous females (30.5 vs 49.9, P < 0.001). Approximately half the cohort had a fall-related facial fracture, followed by assault (26.2%), and sports (10.3%). There was a higher proportion of non-alcohol-related trauma from assaults than alcohol-related assaults (72.5% vs 27.5%, P < 0.001). Over half (58.0%) of the cohort had a midface fracture. The elderly had increased odds of 1.9 fold for facial fractures in winter, largely from falls, compared to younger women. Associated injuries were present in almost half the elderly women with 2.6 times the risk compared to younger women. Younger women had higher incidences of surgical intervention (52.6% vs 14.3%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Young women disproportionately experience larger incidences of non-alcohol-related assaults requiring operative intervention of the mandible, whereas elderly women principally suffer fall-related facial fractures with higher rates of associated injuries.

Oral and Maxillofacial Injuries Associated With E-Cigarette Explosions: A Systematic Review and Management Guidelines Proposal

PURPOSE

E-cigarettes have become increasingly popular devices used to consume nicotine in recent years. There is a growing body of evidence regarding the risk of spontaneous explosion of these devices causing burn and projectile injuries. The primary purpose of this review was to summarize all injuries to the oral and maxillofacial region secondary to explosion of e-cigarettes. The secondary purpose was to propose an initial management algorithm for such injuries based on the findings in the literature. This review also aims to test the hypothesis that e-cigarette explosive injuries to the oral region were associated with an increased risk of intubation and surgery and examine whether any other injury pattern was associated with an increased risk of intubation or surgery.

METHODS

A cohort study based on identifying cases in the literature was conducted to summarize injuries to the oral and maxillofacial region and examine the associations between injury types and location and management. A literature search of the major biomedical databases was conducted in September 2022 using terms such as e-cigarette, explosion, blast, trauma, and burn, among others, which yielded 922 studies. Nonclinical studies, review articles, and studies without injuries to the facial region were excluded. Study subjects were recorded for demographics, device characteristics, injury mechanism, injury location, management, and complications. Chi-squared analysis was used to determine if the predictor variables of type of injury (burn or projectile) and its associated location (ocular, facial, or intraoral for burns and facial thirds for projectile) were associated with the outcomes of intubation and surgical management. The collected data were then used as a guide to propose an initial management algorithm for these injuries.

RESULTS

Twenty eight studies, including 20 case reports and 8 case series met the inclusion criteria. A total of 32 explosions of e-cigarettes to 32 patients caused 105 recorded injuries to the facial region. Projectile injuries made up 73.3% (n = 77) of all facial injuries, while burn injuries made up of 26.7% (n = 28). There were 14 (43.8%) patients who suffered both projectile and burn injuries. Burn injuries mostly involved the face (64.3%, n = 18), oral cavity (25%, n = 7), and eye (10.7%, n = 7). The majority (81.8%, n = 63) of projectile injuries occurred in the lower facial third. There were 20 (62.5%) patients who suffered a bone or tooth fracture. Management of injuries involved surgery in 62.5% (n = 20) of patients, which included open reduction and internal fixation of fractures, dental extraction, bone and skin grafts, and ocular surgery. A complication rate of 44.4% (n = 8) was observed across studies that reported on follow-up. There was no statistically significant association between explosive injury to the oral region and intubation or surgical management. There was also no other statistically significant association between any other injury type and location with intubation or surgical management.

CONCLUSIONS

E-cigarettes are at risk for spontaneous combustion that can cause serious oral and maxillofacial injuries, particularly to the lower facial third and commonly requiring surgical management. Safety of these devices should be improved through increased user education and regulation.

Maxillofacial Injuries Sustained by Riders of Electric-Powered Bikes and Electric-Powered Scooters

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of our study is to retrospectively analyze and compare the patterns of maxillofacial-related injuries among rides of electric-powered bikes (E-bikes) and electric-powered scooters (E-scooters), the associated risk factors, and the required treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The medical files of all riders presenting to the emergency department at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center between 2019 and 2020 with oral- and maxillofacial-related injuries due to E-bike and E-scooter accidents were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 320 riders sustained oral- and maxillofacial-related injuries due to trauma involving E-bikes and E-scooters during the study period. E-scooter riders were involved in 238 accidents (74.5%) while E-bike riders accounted for the remaining 82 accidents (27.5%). Eighty-four out of 320 riders (26.25%) were hospitalized and required surgical interventions. Most of the 232 riders (72.5%) who reported not wearing a protective helmet during the index accident were E-scooter riders. In addition, 39 riders (18.66%) were riding either of these electric-powered vehicles under the influence of alcohol.

CONCLUSIONS

E-bike riders are more likely to sustain a maxillofacial fracture than E-scooter riders. Not wearing a protective helmet and riding under the influence of alcohol are major risk factors for maxillofacial injuries.

Etiology and pattern of maxillofacial trauma

Introduction

Maxillofacial trauma can be limited to superficial lacerations, abrasions, and facial bone fractures. The objective of this study was to determine the etiology, pattern, and predictors of soft tissue and bony injuries.

Materials and methods

This study was conducted in the department of maxillofacial surgery Lady Reading hospital Pakistan from Jan 2019 to June 2021. The nonprobability consecutive sampling technique was used for the selection of patients. All patients were assessed clinically and radiologically. The neurosensory examination was done for any altered sensation, anesthesia, or paresthesia. Motor nerve function was also assessed clinically. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. The etiology and pattern of maxillofacial trauma were stratified among age and genders using the chi-square test to see effect modifiers. Tests for regression analysis were also applied. P≤0.05 was considered significant.

Results

A total of 253 patients meeting inclusion criteria were included in this study. The majority of these patients were males, 223 (88.1%), while only 30 (11.9%) were females. The mean age for the group was 25.4 ± 12.6 years. RTAs were the most common causes of trauma (63.6%) followed by assault (15.0%), falls (11.5%), FAIs (5.9%), and sports (0.4%). The most vulnerable skeletal part was the mandible (22.9%) followed by Zygoma (7.1%), significantly predicted by RTAs. Soft tissue laceration analysis showed a high frequency of multiple lacerations (38%) significantly predicted by FAIs. The frequency of trigeminal nerve injury was 5.5% (14 patients) and that of the facial nerve was 1.6% (4 patients). The strongest association of nerve injury was with firearm injury (47%), followed by road traffic accidents and sports injuries.

Conclusion

Road traffic accident was the most common etiological factor and mandible fracture was commonly predicted by RTA. Trigeminal nerve injuries were common, frequency of nerve injuries was highly associated with mandible fracture and was predicted by FAI.

Covid-19 pandemic: the impact of Italian lockdown on maxillofacial trauma incidence in southern Tuscany

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has seriously affected our society. Governments have difficult situations by adopting strict and severe mitigation measures in order to contain the pandemic spreading. These decisions influenced significatively people's behavior changing their habits and routines. This study offers a statistical analysis of the incidence of the Maxillo-Facial traumas in Tuscany southern area, during the pandemic lockdown. The statistical analyzed has been obtained comparing the maxillo-facial trauma occurrence during the Italian lockdown between the 9th of March and the 18th of May 2020 in comparison with same period of the five previous years. KEY WORDS: Covid-19, Italian covid-19, Maxillofacial surgery, Maxillofacial trauma, Pandemic, Surgery management, Trauma incidence in Italy.

Profil épidémiologique et tomodensitométrique des fractures maxillo-faciales post-traumatiques à Mopti au Mali

Introduction

les traumatismes de la face constituent un problème de santé publique physiquement et psychologiquement, caractérisé par la variété des lésions et parfois par la gravité des séquelles esthétiques ou fonctionnelle. Le but de ce travail était de décrire le profil épidémiologique et tomodensitométrique des fractures maxillo-faciales à Mopti.

Méthodes

étude descriptive transversale de janvier 2019 à décembre 2019 au Service de Radiologie de l´Hôpital de Mopti. Étaient inclus tous les patients ayant bénéficié une tomodensitométrie maxillo-faciale pour traumatisme avec fracture au scanner pendant cette période. Les variables analysées étaient l´âge, le sexe, l´étiologie et les types de fractures observées à la tomodensitométrie. L´enregistrement et l´analyse des données étaient faits avec les logiciels SPSS version 20 et Excel 2013.

Résultats

sur un total de 120 patients, l´âge moyen était de 26,43 ans avec un écart-type de 14,547. Les hommes ont prédominé avec 75% (n= 90). Les accidents de la voie publique étaient l´étiologie fréquente avec 50% (n= 60). Les fractures occlus-faciales représentaient 38,33% (n= 46) avec une prédominance des fractures Lefort II soit 22,50% (n= 27).

Conclusion

cette étude nous a permis d´identifier les couches de la population les plus touchées par les fractures maxillo-faciales dans la région de Mopti tels que les adolescents et les adultes jeunes. Le profil tomodensitométrique était dominé par les fractures occlusofaciales notamment celles de Lefort type II.

The Impact of Traffic Law Enforcement Regulations on the Incidence and Severity of Maxillofacial Injuries

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the new traffic law enforcement regulations (TLERs) on the incidence and severity of maxillofacial injuries in Oman, as road traffic accidents (RTAs) are the main cause of facial injuries in Oman.

Methods

A retrospective longitudinal analytic study was conducted at three tertiary care hospitals in Muscat, Oman. All patients with RTA-related maxillofacial injuries during a five-year period from January 2005 to December 2009 (before the new TLERs) and the five-year period from January 2015 to December 2019 (after the new TLERs) were included in the study.

Results

A total of 1,127 patients were included in the study. Of these, 646 (57.3%) patients sustained RTA-related maxillofacial injuries before the implementation of the new TLERs compared to 481 (42.7%) after the introduction of TLERs. No significant gender-based difference was found between the two study periods. The incidence of injury before the implementation of the new TLERs was 22.7 per 100,000 population, which then reduced significantly to 11 per 100,000 after the TLERs were implemented. Overall, the mean facial injury severity score reduced significantly, from 3.2 to 2.3, after the implementation of the new TLERs.

Conclusions

The findings of this study indicate that the newly introduced TLERs have resulted in a reduction in the incidence and severity of RTA-related maxillofacial injuries. Continuous improvement and reinforcement of TLERs will further help reduce the burden of these injuries to society in general and health services in particular.

Etiology, Pattern, Treatment and Outcome of Maxillofacial Fractures at Dhulikhel Hospital

Background Maxillo-Facial region is one of the prominent parts of human body and is more vulnerable to injury when any form of trauma is encountered. Injury to this region can result in fractures and pattern of fractures often depends upon the mechanism of injury as well as direction of impact. Objective To determine the etiology, pattern, treatment, and outcome of maxillofacial fractures presenting to Dhulikhel hospital. Method The records of all the patients with maxillofacial injuries presenting to the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery of dhulikhel hospital between period of December 2012 to November 2019 were included in the study. The data regarding age, sex and etiology were recorded. The etiologies were classified as Motor vehicle accidents (MVA), interpersonal violence, fall injuries, sports related injuries, occupational hazards, gunshot injuries and animal attacks and others. Similarly, the pattern of fractures was recorded according to classification by anatomical site. The types of treatment performed was also recorded. Treatment outcome in the form of any postoperative complications were recorded. Result Out of 1366 patients with maxillofacial injuries, 378(27.7%) patients had fracture of maxillofacial region. The most common etiology was motor vehicle accidents (53.7%) followed by fall injury (31.2%). Zygomatico-maxillary complex was the most common type of fracture (27.9%). Open reduction and internal fixation were the most common form of treatment provided (85.4%) and post-operative complications were minimal (5.0%). Conclusion Motor vehicle accidents still remain the most common cause of maxillofacial fractures. Midface fractures are more common than mandible fracture. The present study provides an insight into changing etiology and pattern of maxillofacial fractures and open reduction and internal fixation remains the most favored treatment of maxillofacial fractures with minimum complications.

Pogo-Sticks and Maxillofacial Injuries: A Review of 619 Head and Neck Injuries

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to explore head and neck injuries secondary to accidents involving pogo sticks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a 20-year cross-sectional study using the National Electronic Injury Submission System (NEISS). Head and neck injuries resulting from the use of a pogo-stick were included. The predictor variables were demographics, type, site, context of injury, and season in which the injury occurred. The primary outcome variable was admission rate, used to estimate the severity of the injury. We employed chi-squared and independent sample tests to determine whether an association existed or not. We conducted a multivariate logistic regression model to determine the odds of admission for all significant variables.

RESULTS

A total of 619 pogo stick injuries were included, with 96.1% under 18 years of age. The decrease in the number of injuries from the year 2000 to 2019 was significant (P = .003). Nearly all patients were under 18 (96.1%), with the remaining few being 18 or older. Laceration (43.8%) was the most common primary diagnosis. The head (37.2%) was the most commonly injured anatomical region, followed by the face (32.8%). The majority of the injuries took place at the patient's home (85.9%). Patients with head injuries were more likely to be admitted relative to patients who didn't suffer head injuries (P < .01). Concerning primary diagnosis, patients who suffered fractures and internal organ injuries were more likely to be admitted relative to patients without the respective injuries (P < .01). On the contrary, patients who suffered lacerations were less likely to be admitted than patients who did not suffer lacerations (P < .01). After controlling for all possible covariates, fracture (OR, 12.31; P < .01) was independently associated with increased odds of admission. Additionally, compared to all other injuries, fractures were roughly 21 times (P < .05) more likely to get admitted. Patients under 18 were less likely to suffer an internal organ injury relative to patients age 18 or older (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Head and neck injuries secondary to pogo sticks illustrated a predilection to the head. Fractures were the culprit behind the significantly increased odds of admission. Hence, all sectors of society should conceive different measures and implement them to protect against skull fractures (ie, helmet). Despite the decline in popularity of pogo sticks over the last two decades, all remaining riders should wear a helmet as religiously as bicycles or scooter riders to protect against skull fractures.

Epidemiological pattern of maxillofacial fractures in northern China: A retrospective study of 829 cases

This study was performed to examine the epidemiological features of maxillofacial fracture, including the incidence, causes, age and sex distribution, methods of treatment, and prognosis, in a local area.A retrospective study was performed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of 829 patients with maxillofacial fractures treated in a hospital in northern China from August 2011 to July 2019. Sex, age, etiology, fracture site, and treatment method were obtained from the medical records.The average age of all 829 patients was 36.1 years, and most patients were in the 20- to 29-year age group. The male to female ratio was 3.04:1.00. Traffic accidents were the main cause of the maxillofacial fractures. The mandible was the most commonly fractured bone, and the parasymphysis was the most frequently affected site. Head injury was the most common associated injury. Open surgery with internal fixation was the first-choice treatment for most cases.Traffic accidents were the main cause of maxillofacial fractures, followed by falling. Open surgery with internal fixation was the leading treatment choice. Both functional and esthetic outcomes should be considered in the treatment of maxillofacial fractures.

Prevalence of Operated Facial Injury in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of a Tertiary Hospital

Introduction: Maxillofacial injury is one of the commonest causes of surgery performed by anoral and maxillofacial surgeon. Socioeconomic conditions, cultural variation, age, and genderaffect the etiology of the injury. The study is aimed to find the prevalence of facial injury that isoperated by the oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the College of Medical Sciences and TeachingHospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan, a tertiary hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed using the chart from the hospitalregistry for the patient being operated under general anesthesia from April 1, 2017, to March2019. Simple random sampling was done using computer-generated random numbers. Ethicalapproval was received from the Institutional Review Committee of the hospital. The Data forthe reason for surgery, age, age groups etiology, and tissue involvement were analyzed usingStatistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20. Results: Facial injury occupies 378 (71.59%) of the total operation performed by Oral andMaxillofacial surgeon in a tertiary hospital. Soft tissue 196 (52.85%) and facial bone fracture182 (48.15%) is distributed among the facial injuries. Young adults are commonly affected, andthe road traffic accident is the major cause of facial trauma. Conclusions: Facial injury-related surgeries are more prevalent in the tertiary hospital ofBharatpur.

Epidemiology of maxillofacial trauma in the elderly: A European multicenter study

INTRODUCTION

The progressive aging of European population seems to determine a change in the epidemiology, incidence and etiology of maxillofacial fractures with an increase in the frequency of old patients sustaining craniofacial trauma. The objective of the present study was to assess the demographic variables, causes, and patterns of facial fractures in elderly population (with 70 years or more).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data from all geriatric patients (70 years or more) with facial fractures between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2017, were collected. The following data were recorded for each patient: gender, age, voluptuary habits, comorbidities, etiology, site of facial fractures, synchronous body injuries, Facial Injury Severity Score (FISS).

RESULTS

A total of 1334 patients (599 male and 735 female patients) were included in the study. Mean age was 79.3 years, and 66% of patients reported one or more comorbidities. The most frequent cause of injury was fall and zygomatic fractures were the most frequently observed injuries. Falls were associated with a low FISS value (P<.005). Concomitant injuries were observed in 27.3% of patients. Falls were associated with the absence of concomitant injuries. The ninth decade (P<.05) and a high FISS score (P<.005) were associated with concomitant body injuries too.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the role of falls in the epidemiology of facial trauma in the elderly, but also highlights the frequency of involvement of females, and the high frequency of zygomatic fractures.

Brief alcohol intervention in alcohol involved facial fracture patients-a survey of patient attitudes to screening and intervention

PURPOSE

Alcohol intoxication is an important contributor to traumatic facial injuries. The period following injuries afford clinicians a useful window of opportunity to provide alcohol screening and brief intervention (SBI) which may affect changes in patients' future drinking behaviour. Although SBI has been reported to decrease at risk drinking and potentially trauma recurrence, it is not routinely utilised in most clinical settings in the world. This study aims to assess utilisation of, as well as patients' knowledge and attitude towards SBI in the management of patients presenting with alcohol-related facial fractures.

METHODS

Twenty consecutive patients who presented to Western Health with facial fractures who met selection criteria were offered an alcohol screening and survey questionnaire.

RESULTS

Ninety percent of patients were male and 50% were aged between 19 and 34. ASSIST score showed 65% were in the moderate risk category; 75% reported this was their first admission with alcohol related trauma. Although 75% acknowledged alcohol as a main cause of injury, only 40% agreed they drink too much. Forty-four percent felt that talking to a healthcare worker might help and 33% would consider accepting help. Forty-seven percent felt reading materials would be helpful in changing future drinking habits. Whilst 63% would like to know safe drinking limit, only 45% would like to have a discussion about alcohol-related harms.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients presented in this survey were in moderate risk category who are amenable to behavioural change with provision of SBI. However, there is resistance to implementation of this intervention due to lack of knowledge, self-awareness and willingness to change. Nonetheless, patients are prepared to accept advice from clinicians and some formats of intervention. It is important to formulate a simple screening questionnaire and intervention strategy that are easy to administer to affect positive changes in patients with harmful drinking behaviours.

Systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the proportion of maxillofacial trauma resulting from different etiologies among children and adolescents

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine via systematic review and meta-analysis the proportion of maxillofacial trauma resulting from different etiologies among children and adolescents.

METHODS

A systematic review of articles published from 2006 to 2015 (10 years) in English language was performed. The following databases were used: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Observational studies reporting the number of children and/or adolescents who suffered maxillofacial trauma resulting from different etiologies were included. Studies were selected by two independent reviewers (Kappa = 0.737). A proportion meta-analysis using random-effect models was performed to estimate the pooled prevalence and the 95% confidence intervals (CI) using Der-Simonian and Laird weights. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the I ² statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 27 studies remained after qualitative analysis including 402,339 patients. The male/female ratio ranged from 1.5:1 to 3.5:1. Road traffic accidents corresponded to the main etiology agent of maxillofacial trauma (34%; 95% CI, 25-44), followed by falls (31%; 95% CI, 25-37), violence (11%; 95% CI, 4-19), sports (4%; 95% CI, 3-5), and others (5%; 95% CI, 2-8). Heterogeneity among studies was high, even stratifying by world region. The adapted version of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies showed an intermediate score for most of the included studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that road traffic accidents represent the main cause of maxillofacial trauma among children and adolescents. However, results should be interpreted with caution due to the high heterogeneity.

[A retrospective study of 1 009 patients with oral and maxillofacial fresh trauma]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the epidemiological characters of fresh maxillofacial fractures in hospitalized patients by the retrospective study.

METHODS

From Jan. 2008 to Dec. 2013, a total of 1 009 patients with fresh maxillofacial fractures treated at Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology were investigated. The data were statistically analyzed by SPSS 21.0.

RESULTS

The male and female ratio was 2.94:1 and 33.5% of the patients aged from 20 to 30 years. The most common cause of the fresh fracture was road traffic accidents (424 cases, 42.0%), followed by tumblings (250 cases, 24.8%) and violence (128 cases, 12.7%). The number of new fracture was increasing gradually in recent years. The patients were at peak of 20-29 years old. The mandibular fracture was the most frequently seen (536 cases, 53.1%), followed by zygomatic complex fractures (233 cases, 23.1%). The simple maxillary fracture was rare and usually combined with other fractures. Infraorbital nerve injury was the most common one in nerve injuries (144 cases). The most common associated injury was extremity injuries (77 cases), followed by thoracic injury (65 cases) and craniocerebral injury (57 cases). Associated injuries were mostly caused by car accidents (127 sites), followed by fall (32 sites). Logictic regression analysis showed that fall and tumbling were risk factors of mandibular and condylar fracture (OR > 1, P < 0.05), while age was a protective factor (OR > 1, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Oral and maxillofacial fresh fractures most commonly occurred in young people, and the most common cause of fractures was road traffic accidents. Infraorbital nerve was involved frequently. The most common associated injuries was extremity injuries.

Maxillofacial Injuries as Markers of Interpersonal Violence in Belo Horizonte-Brazil: Analysis of the Socio-Spatial Vulnerability of the Location of Victim's Residences

The aim of the present study was to analyze the spatial pattern of cases of maxillofacial injuries caused by interpersonal violence, based on the location of the victim's residence, and to investigate the existence of conditions of socio-spatial vulnerability in these areas. This is a cross-sectional study, using the data of victims attended in three emergency hospitals in Belo Horizonte-Brazil between January 2008 and December 2010. Based on the process of spatial signature, the socio-spatial condition of the victims was identified according to data from census tracts. The spatial distribution trends of the addresses of victims were analyzed using Kernel maps and Ripley's K function. Multicriteria analysis was used to analyze the territorial insertion of victims, using a combination of variables to obtain the degree of socio-spatial vulnerability. The residences of the victims were distributed in an aggregated manner in urban areas, with a confidence level of 99%. The highest densities were found in areas of unfavorable socioeconomic conditions and, to a lesser extent, areas with worse residential and neighborhood infrastructure. Spatial clusters of households formed in slums with a significant level of socio-spatial vulnerability. Explanations of the living conditions in segregated urban areas and analysis of the concentration of more vulnerable populations should be a priority in the development of public health and safety policies.

Etiology and injury patterns of maxillofacial fractures from the years 2010 to 2013 in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany: A retrospective study of 409 patients

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to illustrate the injury patterns and the etiology of accident victims with maxillofacial fractures in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (M-P), Germany.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 2010 and 2013, patients with maxillofacial fractures from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Helios Kliniken Schwerin, were evaluated with a specially constructed data set in a retrospective analysis. After review of the patient records, a case-related data collection was performed with the pre-set characteristics: age, gender, age group, maxillofacial fracture, and cause of injury.

RESULTS

Of 409 patients, 79% (n = 323) were male and 21% (n = 86) were female. A fracture of the zygomaticomaxillary complex was most frequently observed (31%; n = 240). Midface fractures with orbital floor involvement were the most common fracture types (48.4%; n = 137). A significant percentage of the fractures (45.2%; n = 185) were caused by interpersonal violence; 70.8% (n = 131), and thus the majority of the patients who were treated due to a brutal offense, had consumed alcohol. Within this group, men in the age group of 20-29 years were most prevalent (38.7%; n = 125). Etiologically, 25.2% (n = 103) of fractures were caused by a fall.

CONCLUSION

The regionalization of data on the distribution, emergence, and localization of maxillofacial fractures in M-P allows not only a national comparison but also an international comparison with areas that are in a similar strong socio-demographic change, as it applies to the East German population. This provides the opportunity to develop the global preventive measures and to apply suitable quality management.

Maxillofacial injuries due to work-related accidents in the North West of Italy

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and patterns of work-related maxillofacial injuries, identifying worker categories with a high risk of injury.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From a systematic computer-assisted database that has continuously recorded patients hospitalized with maxillofacial fractures, only patients with work-related injuries were considered. Occupation, mechanism of injury, and demographic and clinical data were analyzed.

RESULTS

Work-related facial injuries represented the fifth most common cause of injury, with a percentage of 6.3 %. Maxillofacial fractures were most often seen in construction workers (37.9 %). The middle third was involved in 67 % of the cases; the mandible was the most frequently injured site.

CONCLUSIONS

Work-related maxillofacial trauma is rare, but it is often complex and challenging as Facial Injury Severity Scale values show. In agreement with the few published reports, construction workers, together with farm and forestry workers, are at the highest risk of injuries, mainly because of struck by a thrown, projected, or falling object.

The relationship between head injury and facial trauma: a case-control study

INTRODUCTION

In spite of anatomic proximity of the facial skeleton and cranium, there is paucity of information in the literature regarding the relationship between head injuries and facial trauma. The objective of our investigation was to evaluate the pattern of head injuries in patients with maxillofacial trauma, and to study their relationship.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We evaluated 2,692 patients with maxillofacial trauma admitted to the Besat hospital, Hamedan, Iran between 2007 and 2010. Patients with associated head injury (302 cases; study group) were compared with those without head injury (2,390 cases; control group).

RESULTS

In our cohort, the rate of head injuries associated with facial bone fractures was 23.3 %. The most common associated head injury was concussion, followed by cerebral contusion and skull fractures. In the unadjusted analysis, motorcycle and car accidents were significantly more frequent in the study group, while stumbling, sports injuries, and work-related injuries were significantly more common in the control group (p < 0.001). Except for Lefort III fractures which was not significantly different between groups, all facial fractures occurred more frequently in the study group (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that motorcycle accidents (211-fold), car accidents (139-fold), violence (69-fold), falls (66-fold), frontal sinus fractures (84.5-fold), and Lefort II fractures (27-fold) were the strongest predictors of head injuries.

DISCUSSION

Present study revealed that fracture of facial bones, especially bones that are in anatomic proximity to the cranium and need a high magnitude of trauma energy to be fractured, was marker for an increased risk of head injuries.

Violence and abuse: core competencies for identification and access to care

Violence and abuse (V/A) is recognized as a significant public health problem, especially in females. Injuries to the head, neck, and/or mouth are clearly visible to the dental team during examination. This article provides compelling evidence that supports the pivotal position occupied by oral health care professionals within the arena of detection, intervention, and prevention of V/A. This article reviews the epidemiology of orofacial risk factors for V/A, diagnostic tools and surveys for identifying victims of all ages, and suggests interdisciplinary educational curricula/specific algorithms to provide the necessary core competencies for identifying victims in the oral health care environment.

Study of maxillofacial trauma, its aetiology, distribution, specturm, and management

Between October 2008 and January 2011, a total of 1202 patients with soft tissue and hard tissue injuries of face were studied. Of whom 1057(88%) were male and 145 (12%) female. Injuries were most common 389(32.36%) in the third decade of life and there were 282 (23.46%) in the 4th decade. The most common cause was road traffic collisions (n=682; 56.73%) and the second most common was a fall from a height (n=330; 27.45%). Total number of isolated soft tissue injury was 1038, forehead being the most common site of injury. There were 164 hard tissue injuries; the mandible was the most common bone to be fractured in 106 patients, followed by the zygoma in 47 patients. There were 31 patients with fractured maxilla, 15 nasal bone and 11 orbital bone fracture.

AETIOLOGY, PATTERN AND MANAGEMENT OF ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL INJURIES AT MULAGO NATIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL

OBJECTIVE

To establish the aetiology, pattern and methods of management of oral and Maxillofacial injuries (OMFIs) seen at the Oral and Jaw injuries unit of Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) Kampala, Uganda, over a ten year period.

DESIGN

A descriptive retrospective study.

SETTING

Oral and jaw injury unit of Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda.

RESULTS

One thousand two hundred and three patient records met the inclusion. criteria. The age range was 1-90 years with a male: female ratio of 4.5:1. The age-group most affected was the 21-30-year-olds. Road traffic injuries (RTIs) were responsible for 61% (n = 735 of the injuries, interpersonal violence 27.6% (n = 332), accidental falls 12% (n = 142) and firearm injuries 2.2% (n = 27). Of the maxillofacial fractures (n = 1069) isolated mandibular fractures were 62%, isolated mid-facial fractures 24% whereas Pan-facial fractures accounted for 14%.

CONCLUSION

The victims of OMFIs were mostly young men between 21 and 30 years of age. The main aetiological factors were road traffic injuries (RTIs) and interpersonal violence (IPV), while the lower third of the face was most often involved. Consistent with findings in other studies, RTI and IPV remain the two main causes of Maxillofacial injuries and public health measures targeting prevention should focus on these areas.

Intraoral foreign bodies detected 40 years after a car accident using cone beam computed tomography

Foreign bodies are common findings in the maxillofacial region, most commonly the result of accidents and physical aggression. Among the objects frequently found in the orofacial tissues are fragments of metal, plastic, wood, and glass. Visualization and exact identification of the location of these objects can be challenging but is of major importance prior to surgical removal. The present case report describes the use of cone beam computed tomography to locate, visualize, and surgically remove glass particles in the oral cavity.

MAXILLOFACIAL SOFT TISSUE INJURIES IN NAIROBI, KENYA

OBJECTIVES

To determine the aetiological factors and pattern of occurrence of maxillofacial soft tissue injuries (MF-STIs) presenting at a Kenyan National Referral Hospital in Nairobi.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

SETTINGS

The accident and emergency department of the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) between September 2009 and December 2009.

SUBJECTS

Four hundred and twenty two patients treated for MF-STIs.

RESULTS

The male to female ratio was 3.3:1. Motor vehicle accidents (MVA) were the leading cause of MF-STIs (44.6%) followed by interpersonal violence (IPV) (39.1%). MVA (50.0%) was the leading cause of MF-STIs in the less than 12-year-olds while falls from heights (58.3%) was the leading cause in under five-year-olds. IPV (48.1%) was the leading cause of facial fractures. There were no skeletal fractures observed in the under five-year-olds. Head injury (36%) and fractures of the long bones (52%) were the most common associated injuries.

CONCLUSION

The leading causes of MF-STIs apparently differ from those of skeletal fractures.

Injuries to the head and face in Brazilian adolescents and teenagers victims of non-natural deaths

This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of injuries to the head and face in adolescent and teenager victims of non-natural deaths. A retrospective study was undertaken by the analysis of medical forensic reports obtained from medical forensic examinations performed at the Department of Forensic Medicine of the city of Campina Grande, PB, Brazil, between January 2003 and December 2007. From a total of 607 reports issued during this time span, the study sample consisted of 423 reports (69.6%) referring to adolescents and teenagers of both genders, aged 12 to 18 years, who were confirmed to have died from external causes. The causes of death were encoded according to the Chapter XX of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10). The majority of victims were 17 year old males (25.8%). Firearms (33.3%) and transport accidents (32.2%) were the most common causes of death, with boys showing a 3.7 times greater likelihood of getting killed by firearms than girls. There was statistically significant relationship between the occurrence of transport accidents and gender. The majority of victims (71.6%) presented with multiple injuries throughout the body. There was statistically significant relationship between the occurrence of transport accidents and the presence of multiple injuries. A high percentage of the victims presented with injuries to the head and face. There was statistically significant relationship between the occurrence of transport accidents and the presence of injury to the head. Fatal gunshot wounds and transport accidents were the main causes of death of male adolescents and teenagers. The victims presented with multiple injuries, especially to the head and face, and the mandible was the most frequently injured facial bone. .

Mid-facial fractures: a 5-year retrospective review in a Nigerian teaching hospital

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to establish the pattern and actiology of mid-facial fractures, of patients seen and treated at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria over a 5-year period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All cases of midfacial fractures diagnosed and treated at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos between January 2004 and December 2008 were reviewed. Data collected from case records of patients included age, sex, aetiology of fracture, anatomic site of fracture, associated maxillofacial fracture, types of treatment and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

The leading cause of mid-facial fractures was road traffic crashes (RTC) which occurred in 93% of highest incidence of mid-facial fractures (36.5%) occurred in the age group of 21-30 years and the lowest in the age group of 60 years and above (2.6%); with male preponderance in nearly all age groups. Female patients were significantly younger than their male counterparts (P=0.000). The most common site of mid-facial bone fractures was the zygomatic complex (n=89, 44.5%), followed by dento-alveolar (n=26, 13%), and Le fort II (n=23, 12%). Conservative management of the fractures was employed in 2.6% (n=4) of the cases while 97.4% (n=152) of the patients required surgical, intervention

CONCLUSIONS

Mid-facial fractures were most common in the 3rd decade of life; with a male-to-female ratio of 3.7: 1. Over 93% of the cases were due to road traffic crashes. Zygomatic complex was the most commonly fractured site. The fact that road traffic crashes still remain the major cause of mid-facial fracture in the studied environment is an indication that the enforcement of legislation to prevent road traffic crashes needs to be re-emphasised.

[Retrospective analysis of 2461 patients with maxillofacial fractures]

OBJECTIVE

To review the 2461 cases of maxillofacial fractures.

METHODS

From 2003 to 2009, 2461 maxillofacial fracture cases were treated in Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Data regarding sex, age, cause of injury, occupation, geographic distribution, blood type, fracture site, multiple associated injuries, injury severity, the patient's first admitted department, treatment results were reviewed.

RESULTS

The male and female ratio was 4.28:1, 1424(57.86 %) patients were between 20 and 40 years of age. The most common cause of injury was road traffic accident (938 cases, 40.98%). People in tertiary industry (900 cases, 78.53%) were most vulnerable to injuries. The zygomatic complex (22.08%), nasal bone (20.67%) and mandible (16.35%) were the most frequent fracture sites, which were often associated with skull (21.74%), brain (38.36%) and soft tissue contusion injury (48.84%). 85.98% (2116/2461 cases), of patients' AIS score was less than 2. Orthopaedics (939/2461 cases, 38.16%) was the first admitted department.

CONCLUSIONS

The traffic accidents are the main cause of the maxillofacial fractures. Most injuries are found in the young and middle-aged people.

Oro-dental and maxillofacial trauma in epilepsy at a tertiary hospital in Lagos

BACKGROUND

Seizure-related injuries are common and are a major cause of morbidity in subjects with epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency and types of oro-facial injuries in epileptic patients attending a tertiary hospital.

METHODS

A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information about injuries to the oral and maxillofacial region in epileptic patients at the Neurology Clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital over a period of two years. Information sought included patient's sociodemographics, type of seizure, self-management of seizures, and history of injuries during seizures.

RESULTS

Of the 138 epileptic patients seen, 87 (63.0%) reported the occurrence of oral and maxillofacial injuries. Mean age of these patients (29.6±12.1 years) was not significantly different from that of those who had no injuries (33.5±15.6 years). Prevalence of seizure-related injuries was not significantly different in males and females (50 [58.8%] vs 37 [71.2%]). Injuries were more likely in those who had convulsive seizures than in those who had non-convulsive seizures. Patients who had hard objects forced between their clenched teeth during seizure episodes were more likely to sustain injuries. Soft tissue injuries were more common than injuries to the facial bones and teeth. Of these, the tongue was the most commonly injured. Majority of those with soft tissue injuries did not receive treatment in hospital. Although fractures of the cheek and jaw bones were not so common, all such cases received surgical treatment in hospital.

CONCLUSION

A high proportion of epileptic patients in Lagos appear to suffer seizure-related oro-facial injuries. Measures for the prevention and management of these injuries are needed to help reduce the morbidity caused by such injuries.

Maxillofacial and dental injuries sustained in hurling

The incidence of facial injuries in hurling has decreased since the introduction of helmets with facial protection. The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of facial and dental injuries sustained in hurling training or matches and compliance with wearing helmets, with or without modified or unmodified faceguards. This prospective study included all patients who attended the Mid Western Regional Hospital Limerick, with injuries sustained while playing hurling during 2007 and 2008 seasons. The study population included 70 patients. Forty two (60%) injuries occurred during practice and 28(40%) during matches. Fifty two players (75%) sustained facial injuries whilst no helmet was worn. Eighteen injuries (25%) were sustained by players wearing helmets. Th study demonstrates that 60% of injuries occur during training when players do not wear helmets. We support the recent introduction by the GAA making it compulsory to wear helmets with faceguard protection from January 1st 2010.

Training Australian military health care personnel in the primary care of maxillofacial wounds from improvised explosive devices

Severe facial wounds frequently result from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) as the face is still vulnerable despite advances in personal protection of soldiers. In contrast to the poor outcomes with civilian maxillofacial trauma management methods initially employed by the US Army for maxillofacial wounds from IEDs, advances in wound management methods for such injuries by the US Army have resulted in significant improvements in appearance and function. This article describes the features of a short course in the primary management of combat related maxillofacial wounds for deployed health care personnel who may not be facial specialists, including contemporary treatment techniques for those confronting wounds from IEDs which are explained in this course.

Orofacial injuries due to trauma following motor vehicle collisions: part 2. Temporomandibular disorders

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) following motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) may result from direct orofacial trauma but also occur in patients with whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) without such trauma. TMDs may not be identified at the time of first assessment, but may develop weeks or more after the MVC. TMDs in WAD appear to occur predominantly in females and can be associated with regional or widespread pain. TMDs following MVCs may respond poorly to independent therapy and may be best managed using multidisciplinary approaches.

Orofacial injuries due to trauma following motor vehicle collisions: part 1. Traumatic dental injuries

Dental providers must determine the presence of orofacial injury, and diagnose and treat dental and orofacial outcomes of trauma caused by motor vehicle collisions. Determination of causation and relation to the trauma is indicated. Dental trauma includes concussion, subluxation and dislocation of teeth, and fracture of teeth and maxillofacial bone, in addition to soft tissue injury that may cause ecchymosis, hematoma and laceration or abrasion. This article focuses on orofacial injury and dental complaints following motor vehicle collisions, while part 2 focuses on temporomandibular symptoms.

[A retrospective study of 101 maxillofacial fractures]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical characters and treatments of maxillofacial fractures.

METHOD

A review of 101 maxillofacial fractures was presented with respect to age, sex, cause of fractures, pattern of fractures, treatments and therapeutic effect.

RESULT

The majority of fractures were found in 20-to-50-year-old males. Most fractures happened in summer and the leading causes were traffic accidents. Mandible was the most part of fractures and associated combined injures were found in 31 cases. Rigid internal fixation was the primary treatment.

CONCLUSION

Maxillofacial fractures mainly occurred in young adult males and traffic accidents were the main causes. Rigid internal fixation after exact replacement was the primary common treatment.

[Peculiarities of ballistic wounds of maxillo-facial area inflicted by modern ballistic weapon]

The article presents data of a comparative investigation of volume of ballistic damages of maxillo-facial area, given by different ballistic weapon (from usual PM to newest GSh-18). The article says that was set up a large volume of damages of sort and bone tissues of maxillo-facial area, given by bullet of cartridge of GSh-18 in all searched parameters. All materials, received in investigation, could be used in science substantiation and in elaboration of recommendations in planning of structure of sanitarium casualty, methods of investigations, surgical treatment and rehabilitation of wounded with damages, given by modern ballistic weapon.