Crash characteristics and pattern of motorcycle related facial bone fractures in a sub-urban Nigerian teaching hospital

Abstract

Context:Recent studies indicated that significant proportion of facial fractures attributed to road traffic mishaps in the middle- and low-income countries are caused by motorcycle (MC) crashes. However, there is limited information on crash characteristics of such injuries. This study was designed to examine the crash characteristics, pattern of fracture, and sociodemographics of patients with facial bone fractures due to MC crashes in our institution.Subjects and Methods:Data on patients’ sociodemographics, pattern of presentation, type(s) of fracture, patient status, crash characteristics, level of consciousness, and treatment offered were collected and analyzed.Results:A total of 151 patients, aged 7–59 years were reviewed during the study period. A male preponderance was observed (M:F = 4:1) and the patients were predominantly motorcyclists (64.8%, n = 98). The most common mechanism of crash was collision with another MC (51.6%, n = 78). A total of 194 fractures were reviewed and the mandible (58.8%, n = 114) was more commonly affected than the midface (41.2%, n = 80). The predominant site on the mandible was the body (31.6%) while zygoma (32.5%) was the most affected part of the midface. Patient status was found to have a statistically significant relationship with loss of consciousness (P = 0.02). Eighty-two fracture sites (42.3%) were managed with open reduction and internal fixation.Conclusions:Facial bone fractures occur in a significant proportion of MC crashes and riders are predominantly affected. In addition, a larger proportion of commuters rarely wear crash helmet which could have offered protection. Continual advocacy on preventive measures and enforcement of road safety regulations is hereby advised.

<strong>Mandibular trauma severity differences on motorcycle riders using half-face helmet and without helmet based on mandible injury severity score</strong>

“…The head and neck area is the most exposed area on the body, so it increases the risk of injury in traffic accidents. 26,27,33 The result of statistical analysis in table.6 from differences in the severity of mandibular trauma according to helmet use showed that the MISS (p = 0.199> 0.05) was greater than 0.05.…”

“…The locations of mandibular fractures based on several studies in developing countries are varied. Obitade et al 26 , report the incidence of mandibular fracture locations in Nigeria from 114 cases are corpus fractures (31.6%) followed by dentoalveolar fractures (21.9%) 33 , Maximina et al 28 , report the mostly affected locations of mandibular fracture are dentoalveolar (14%) as well as parasymphysis and condylus (11%).…”

“…31 The popularity of half-face helmets maybe accounts for the high incidence of mandibular fractures since it reduces upper and middle facial injuries but does not prevent lower facial injuries. 26,27,29,33 The high number of motorcyclists who do not wear helmets, in addition to the popularity of half-face helmets in Indonesia is still a challenge for the Government, the community, and the Traffic Police Department to conduct comprehensive outreaches on the benefits of using standard helmets to reduce the incidence of mandibular fractures in traffic accidents. However, studies on helmet quality and the impact of speed on helmet use still require further research.…”

Cases of Maxillofacial Trauma Treated at Hospitals in a Large City in Northeastern Brazil: Cross-Sectional Study

“…Maxillofacial trauma (MFT) is a worldwide public health problem that can result in facial deformation, loss of chewing function, emotional and social impacts (stress, irritability, low self-esteem, and feelings of social exclusion), and high financial costs [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Considering the growing industrialization, urbanization, and changes in population profiles, MFT has become one of the major medical problems in emergency rooms [ 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”

“…The type of fracture varies depending on the anatomy of the injured site as well as the magnitude and direction of the force of impact [ 8 ]. According to the literature, facial fractures most commonly affect the mandible, zygomatic bone, and nose [ 4 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ], which are the most exposed regions of the body [ 15 ].…”