Maxillofacial Trauma Resulting From Terror in Israel

Abstract

During a 33 month period, maxillofacial injuries resulting from terrorist attacks in Israel were compared with non-terror trauma maxillofacial injuries. Files of patients hospitalized from October 1, 2000 to June 30, 2003 were obtained from the Israel National Trauma Registry. Data were evaluated and compared with a hospitalized non-terror related trauma population within the same period. A literature survey was also conducted. Terror casualties totaled 1,811. In 493 patients with facial injuries, 322 had soft facial tissue injuries (excluding eyes and ears), and 104 had hard tissue injuries of the maxillofacial complex. A significantly higher prevalence was found in terror casualties (explosions and gunshots) compared with non-terror related casualties. Most suffered multiple injuries. Maxillofacial terror casualties experience a unique epidemiology, with more severe injuries and higher prevalence of soft and hard tissue injuries. Preparedness and awareness to the unique pattern of injuries are needed when terrorists strike.

Patterns of maxillofacial injuries caused by terrorist attacks in Iraq: retrospective study

“…In such attacks, the exposed parts of the body, including the face, were affected more than other regions; these results support the studies of other researchers 12,15 .…”

“…In addition to conventional war, the rise of terrorism has added another dimension to the potential for warlike injuries 1 . Other researchers have discussed the injuries caused by terrorism as a separate type of intentional injury 6,15 . The incidence of maxillofacial terrorrelated casualties is high 15 , but there are few studies about this type of injury.…”

“…Other researchers have discussed the injuries caused by terrorism as a separate type of intentional injury 6,15 . The incidence of maxillofacial terrorrelated casualties is high 15 , but there are few studies about this type of injury. The complex anatomy of the maxillofacial region means that severe trauma to the area has the potential to cause significant esthetic and functional disturbances.…”

Changing Pattern of Pediatric Maxillofacial Injuries at the Accident and Emergency Department of the University Teaching Hospital, Ibadan–A Four-Year Experience

“…The three main causes for mouth and jaw fractures are traffic accidents, falls, and violence. 8 In Israel, maxillofacial or dental injuries have been observed in 7.4% of the trauma patients, caused by motor vehicle accidents (39.2%), falls (30.9%), and intentional injuries (21.2%). The most common injuries were soft tissue injuries (55.9%).…”

“…8 ' 11 In the series by Ugboko et al, also in Southwestern Nigeria, only one case of gunshot was reported. The male:female ratio of victims of RTA is gradually closing up as more females are becoming more active in recent times exposing them to the danger of RTAs.…”