Facial trauma: a recurrent disease? The potential role of disease prevention

Abstract

Purpose: The objectives of this investigation were to determine a profile of facial trauma patients presenting to the emergency department of University Hospital, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, and to assess patient interest in violence or stress reduction programs.

Materials and methods: A prospective study of the patients was conducted with the aid of a data collection form generated specifically for the purpose of this study. Data regarding patient age, race, gender, various aspects of social history, mechanism, and nature of injury were collected over a period of 1 year. In addition, all patients were asked to respond to 4 health promotion questions. All patients for whom the oral maxillofacial surgery service was consulted were included in the study. Descriptive statistical analysis of the data was used.

Results: A total of 92 patients were enrolled, of whom 80% were males. The mean age of patients enrolled was 30.5 years with the peak incidence of injury occurring in the 20- to 30-year-old age group (n = 30). The most frequent etiology was assault (75%), followed by motor vehicle accidents (18.5%). The most frequently occurring injury was mandible fracture (46.7%), followed by lacerations (42.4%). Within the study sample, 42.4% had previous injuries. Patients with facial injuries were 1.5 times more likely to have experienced previous interpersonal violence. This patient group also expressed an overwhelming willingness to change their behavior patterns (91.3%).

Conclusions: The findings of this investigation indicated that most facial trauma patients are between the ages of 20 and 30 years and male. Assault is the most common etiologic agent resulting in facial trauma. Mandible fractures and lacerations are the most likely injuries in the facial trauma patient. Patients experiencing recurrent trauma due to assault are more responsive to violence reduction programs than those experiencing only 1 assault.