@article{ref1,
title="Trend of alcohol involvement in maxillofacial trauma",
journal="Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology, oral radiology, and endodontics",
year="2009",
author="Lee, Kiyoung",
volume="107",
number="4",
pages="e9-13",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Ethanol is regularly consumed by individuals in social settings. However, overindulgence can lead to impaired judgment and physical harm. This study examines the trend of alcohol-related facial fractures at a tertiary trauma over 2 consecutive time periods. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective database of patients presenting to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery service at Christchurch Hospital during an 11-year period was reviewed, and data from the 2 5.5-year periods were compared. Variables examined included demographics, type of fractures, mode of injury, and treatment delivered. RESULTS: A total of 1,264 patients were identified to have alcohol-related facial fractures, 624 in the first half of the period and 640 in the second half. More than 90% were male, with 66% of these patients in the 15-29-year age group in each period. Assault accounted for 73% in the first period and 82% in the second period, and motor vehicle accidents accounted for 18% and 8% of fractures, respectively, in the two periods. A total of 64% and 58% of these patients required hospital admission and surgery, respectively, in the first period, and 66% were hospitalised and 60% treated surgically in the second period. CONCLUSION: There was no significant change between the 2 periods in terms of demographics, pattern of fractures, and treatment modality. The incidence of assault-related fractures were on the rise and motor vehicle accident-related fractures were declining. Alcohol-related fractures continued to be the main problem in young male adults involved in fights. There should be public awareness to educate these people on this harmful effect of drinking.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1079-2104",
doi="10.1016/j.tripleo.2008.12.020",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tripleo.2008.12.020"
}