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. 2019 Sep;18(3):432-439.
doi: 10.1007/s12663-018-1149-5. Epub 2018 Aug 30.

Soft Tissue Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region Occurring from Motorcycle Accidents

Md Zeeshan Arif  1 , B R Rajanikanth  1 , Kavitha Prasad  1
Affiliations

Soft Tissue Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region Occurring from Motorcycle Accidents

Md Zeeshan Arif et al. J Maxillofac Oral Surg. 2019 Sep.

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.

Keywords: Helmet; Maxillofacial injuries; Road traffic accident; Soft tissue injuries.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interestThe authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Modified MCFONTZL classification of soft tissue injury. F forehead, O orbit, C chin, N nose, L lip (upper and lower), E ear, Z zygoma [5, 7]
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Extra-oral injuries: abrasions over the left zygoma, bridge of the nose and the ala of the nose involving a part of the upper lip. Laceration of the forehead
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Laceration of the lower labial mucosa
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Contusion over the upper labial mucosa
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Parts of a motorcycle helmet
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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