Orofacial trauma injuries and disability assessment in adolescents: A Portuguese study

Abstract

Background/Aims: Orofacial injuries are a significant public health issue. The evidence-based knowledge associated with adolescent violence and trauma is highlighted by the World Health Organization with regard to its specific needs related to disability, violence, and unintentional injuries. The main aim of this study was to present evidence-based information about orofacial traumatic injuries of an adolescent population using Portuguese epidemiological data. The second aim was to report follow-up data of injuries for disability assessment in a trauma prevention approach.Methods: An observational cohort study was performed using the clinical database of the national-specialist-healthcare-centre-of-trauma (2014-2018). Information was collected regarding gender, school age range, etiology, injury type, injury time, and severity. Mann-Whitney (p < .05), Kruskal-Wallis (p < .001), and Cox regression (p < .001) analyses were performed.Results: Orofacial trauma injuries were present in 23.3% of Portuguese adolescents (age range 10-18 years). The majority were male (72.6%), and no age range stood out in frequency. School accidents (90.6%) were the major etiology for all groups of injuries. The diagnosis of superficial intraoral injuries was the most frequent (50.8%), followed by similar injuries to the face (22.5%). A Cox regression model with an adequate fit was yielded (χ2 [6] = 54.893, p < .001), suggesting that variable injury type was a predictor of disability, considering injury time. Tooth and alveolar loss, complicated tooth fracture, complicated face injury, and temporomandibular injuries were more predictive (1<hazard ratio < 5.329 [95% CI:1.340-12.685]). Conclusion:The type of injury could be used to predict the time of temporary disability. Regarding definitive damage, some injuries were more predictive of severity than others. Preventive procedures should be highlighted in schools.

Prevalence of orofacial injuries resulting from trauma in individuals with cerebral palsy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…5 These injuries are the fifth most prevalent health condition worldwide and are a public health issue. 6 These injuries can affect the teeth and lead to enamel fractures, coronary fractures, root fractures, concussions, dislocations, and avulsions. They also affect soft tissues (cheek, lips, and tongue) and cause temporomandibular joint and mandible fractures.…”

“…7 In most regions of the world, the highest prevalence of OI is observed in individuals aged 5-20 years old. 6 Furthermore, the decrease in reflexes caused by CP due to existing physical and mental deficiencies increases the risk of these traumas. The greater the brain damage, the greater the risk of trauma.…”

“…Orofacial injuries (OI) involve injuries to the soft and hard tissues of the face, extending from the frontal bone to the lower region of the jaw, and range from cuts in soft tissues to complex fractures 5 . These injuries are the fifth most prevalent health condition worldwide and are a public health issue 6 . These injuries can affect the teeth and lead to enamel fractures, coronary fractures, root fractures, concussions, dislocations, and avulsions.…”

“…They also affect soft tissues (cheek, lips, and tongue) and cause temporomandibular joint and mandible fractures 7 . In most regions of the world, the highest prevalence of OI is observed in individuals aged 5–20 years old 6 . Furthermore, the decrease in reflexes caused by CP due to existing physical and mental deficiencies increases the risk of these traumas.…”

Fragment rehydration, splinting, and autotransplantation: A journey to better treatment for traumatized teeth

“…Individuals with special healthcare needs (SHCN), especially ADHD and CP, have a higher chance of TDI than the general population. [44][45][46][47][48] The prevalence of TDI in individuals with SHCN has been reported, but the associated risk factors are less understood than in the general population. In this issue, Devi et al assessed various risk factors associated with TDIs in individuals with SHCN.…”