Citation

Arif MZ, Rajanikanth BR, Prasad K. J. Maxillofac. Oral Surg. 2019; 18(3): 432-439.

Affiliation

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Sciences, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, New Bel Road, Bangalore, Karnataka 560054 India.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India, Publisher Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s12663-018-1149-5

PMID

31371887

PMCID

PMC6639442

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Soft tissue injuries are the most common type of injury occurring from a motorcycle accident. Not many studies have been conducted to determine the incidence and pattern of soft tissue injuries and the effectiveness of helmet to prevent them.

METHODS: In this prospective cross-sectional study, all the patients attending three centres in North Bangalore, with facial injuries occurring from a motorcycle accident, were included. The subjects were analysed for the type of collision, helmet use, type of helmet use and incidence and pattern of extra-oral and intra-oral soft tissue injuries.

RESULTS: A total number of 311 motorcyclists were included in this study for a period of 18 months (December 2015-June 2017). The most prominent age group was 21-30 years. Abrasions were the most common type of injury followed by the lacerations, contusions and communication. Injuries to the middle third and lower third of the face were significantly higher in non-helmeted and open-face-helmeted patients. Middle third injuries were most common in the full-face helmet group.

CONCLUSION: Abrasions are the most common type of soft tissue injury, and most common site was the nose, followed by the forehead, orbit and chin. Full-face helmets are more effective and protective as compared to open-face helmets. Open-face helmets offer minimal protection against facial injuries occurring from road traffic accidents.

Language: en

Keywords

Helmet; Maxillofacial injuries; Road traffic accident; Soft tissue injuries