Electric scooter-related oral and maxillofacial injuries in Oxfordshire

Abstract

Electric scooters (e-scooters) are becoming increasingly popular amongst the public. Oxfordshire is included as part of the government led e-scooter trial. This study was designed to evaluate maxillofacial injuries occurring following e-scooter accidents. A single-centre retrospective study was conducted from October 2022 to September 2023 reviewing all e-scooter-related maxillofacial injuries which presented to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. During the study period, forty-nine patients (mean [range] age 28 [13-48] years; 32 [65.3%] male) suffered maxillofacial injuries from riding an e-scooter. Twenty patients (40.8%) were under the influence of alcohol and no individual was recorded to have worn a helmet at the time the injury occurred. Ten patients (20.4%) suffered a facial fracture (two mandibular fractures, three zygomatic-orbital fractures, one nasal fracture, and four patients with multiple fractures involving the sphenoid, zygomatic-orbital, and maxillary sinus). Four (40%) of these facial fractures required surgical management. This included one patient with an orbital floor fracture and an associated inferior rectus entrapment, which is a surgical emergency. Thirty-three patients (67.3%) sustained facial lacerations and nine patients (18.4%) sustained dental trauma. Maxillofacial injuries occurring from e-scooter injuries are significant and pose a notable risk to safety. Our study highlights poor compliance and emphasises the need to improve safety through public education, focussing on sobriety. Considerations should be given to speed limitations, safety clothing, e-scooter training, and whether helmets should be mandatory. The Oxfordshire trial is due to end in May 2026 and our results can inform and influence future legislation.

Keywords: Electric scooter; Facial fracture; Laceration; Legislation; Oral and Maxillofacial injury; Trauma.