Pattern of Maxillofacial Injuries in Motorcyclists in Malaysia

Abstract

Motorcycle casualties represent significant number in road traffic accidents in Malaysia, and among all the injuries, facial injuries pose many significant problems physiologically, functionally, and aesthetically. The aim of this study was to analyze the pattern of maxillofacial as well as other injuries in motorcyclists who were seen at Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.Patients' records from January 2004 to December 2005 were reviewed. Data related to demographics, vehicle/object involved in collision, involvement as a rider or pillion, whether a helmet was worn or not, location of injuries on the face/facial bones, and other associated injuries were collected.A total of 113 cases of motorcycle accidents were recorded; 106 males and 7 females were involved. Mean age was 25.8 years. Among all the races, Malay had the highest involvement (72.3%), followed by Chinese (14.3%), Indians (8.9%), and others (5.4%). The types of collision were either a single-vehicle collision (i.e., skidded) or with another vehicle/s or object (e.g., tree, stone, or lamppost). The injuries were mainly seen on the lower face (46.9%) followed by midface (25.7%) and a combination of the midface and lower face (15%) and others (12.4%). The most frequent other associated injuries recorded were orthopedic and head injuries.

Dentofacial injuries in commercial motorcycle accidents in Cameroon: Pattern and cost implication of care

“…This is similar to findings of studies reported from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 8 and Taipei, Taiwan. 13 The active nature of group which involves movement from place to place as part of job seeking, going to work or delivering services encourage their use of commercial motorcycle, a fast and cost-effective mode of transportation in developing countries.…”

“…The higher male than female dentofacial injuries experience has been reported in several other studies. 4,8,9,11,14 Perhaps, as breadwinners for many families tend to be men, their mobility is therefore more and thereby exposed to the associated risks. This may support the observed gender trend.…”

“…7 Studies on dentofacial injuries in motorcycle accidents show that injuries occur as single vehicle collision with an object, another vehicle or falls. 8,9 Seasonal variation in maxillofacial injuries resulting from road accidents has been reported in hospital based studies. 10,11 These have been attributed to the increased opportunities for outdoor activities and increased travel due to good weather during the months of November to February making up the dry season.In contrast there is decreased travel with greater pre caution due to visibility and terrain problems during rainy season.…”

Maxillofacial fractures associated with motor vehicle accidents: A review of the current literature

“…Three types of helmets can be used: fixed fullface, articulated full-face, and open-face. Not only people who do not wear helmets are 3-4 times more likely to sustain a head injury than those who do, but full-face helmets in particular seem to be mostly effective in protecting the face [7,10]. Studies on the wearing of helmets by motorcyclists in urban areas have highlighted two main points: the effectiveness of laws aimed at increasing their use and the protection provided against brain injuries and death [7,11].…”

“…The epidemiology of these fractures varies depending on the geographic area, socioeconomic status, and the period of investigation [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. In many countries, traffic accidents are the most common cause of maxillofacial fractures [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10].…”