J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2014 Dec;72(12):2503-6. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2014.07.015. Epub 2014 Jul 30.

The incidence and pattern of maxillofacial injuries in helmeted versus non-helmeted motorcycle accident patients.

Author information

¹Director, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Training Program, Health Science Center, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN.
²Chief Resident, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Health Science Center, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN. Electronic address: rthoma23@uthsc.edu.
³Assistant Dean, Department of Institutional Affairs, College of Dentistry, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in incidence and pattern of bony and soft tissue injuries sustained by helmeted versus non-helmeted motorcycle accident patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The medical records of motorcycle accident patients over a 10-year period were reviewed. Basic demographic data including age, gender, and Injury Severity Score (ISS) were collected. The patients were separated into 2 groups based on helmet use. For each group, the incidence of specific maxillofacial injuries (based on the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision) was tallied. Statistical analysis was performed with the Fisher exact test.

RESULTS:

A total of 717 patients were included in the study: 598 patients (mean age, 41.6 years; male gender, 90.8%; ISS, 18.2) were in the helmeted group and 119 patients (mean age, 40.8 years; male gender, 90.8%; ISS, 19.5) were in the non-helmeted group. Among the helmeted riders, 26.1% (n=156) sustained a maxillofacial injury, and among the non-helmeted riders, 45.4% (n=54) sustained a maxillofacial injury (P=.0001). The non-helmeted riders also had a significantly higher incidence of malar and maxillary fractures (P=.040), orbital fractures (P=.044), and soft tissue contusions and abrasions (P=.031).

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of this study suggest that not only do helmets protect against facial injuries in totality, they appear to be more effective at preventing midfacial fractures when compared with mandible fractures.