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Abstract
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PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in incidence and pattern of bony and soft tissue injuries sustained by helmeted vs. non-helmeted motorcycle accident victims.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of motorcycle accident victims over a 10-year period were reviewed. Basic demographic data including age, sex, and injury severity score (ISS) were collected. The patients were separated into 2 groups based on helmet use. For each group, the incidence of specific maxillofacial injuries (based on the International Classification of Disease, 9th revision) was tallied. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test.
RESULTS: A total of 717 patients were included in the study. 598 patients (mean age, 41.6; male sex, 90.8%; ISS, 18.2) were in the helmeted group and 119 patients (mean age, 40.8; male sex 90.8%; ISS, 19.5) were in the non-helmeted group. Among the helmeted riders, 26.1% (n=156) sustained a maxillofacial injury, and among the non-helmeted riders 45.4% (n=54) sustained a maxillofacial injury (p=0.0001). The non-helmeted riders also experienced a significantly higher incidence of malar and maxillary fractures (p=0.040), orbital fractures (p=0.044), and soft tissue contusions and abrasions (p=0.031).
CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that not only do helmets protect against facial injuries in totality, they appear to be more effective at preventing midfacial fractures when compared to mandible fractures.
Language: en |