Patterns of maxillofacial trauma in helmet vs. non helmet wearing two wheeler drivers in a tertiary care center.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The frequency and patterns of maxillofacial fractures vary by country, based on demographic, socioeconomic, cultural and environmental factors. Wearing a helmet is an efficient form of head protection for two-wheeler drivers and is now required in the vast majority of countries. The aim of this study was to compare the patterns of maxillofacial trauma in patients who wore helmets and those who did not. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data were gathered from clinical records of patients presenting with maxillofacial trauma between January 2019 and February 2022. The inclusion criteria were met by subjects involved in two-wheeler accidents with comprehensive case records and radiological investigations. RESULTS: A total of 177 people presented following maxillofacial trauma. The mean age was 34.2 ± 12.7 years. There were 151 (85.3%) males and 26 (14.6%) females. One hundred and two patients had not been wearing a helmet, while 75 patients were wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Mandible fractures were the most common injury in both groups, followed by zygomatic arch fractures (which were more common in non-helmet users) and dentoalveolar fractures in helmet users. CONCLUSION: There was a significant difference in the pattern and severity of maxillofacial trauma in helmet users and non-helmet users.

Prevalence and distribution of maxillofacial trauma in tertiary care centers before/ after motorcycle helmet use law in Sullia, India-A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In India, motorcycles are commonly involved in accidents and traffic rules negligence, most of which include some type of maxillofacial trauma. In September 2019, the rules for motorcycle and helmet use were modified to compulsory use in the state of Karnataka. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of mandatory helmet use on maxillofacial fractures and injuries in Sullia Taluk, Karnataka. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was based on the information obtained from clinical records in the K.V.G Dental College and the K.V.G Medical College from February 2019 to February 2020. The inclusion criteria were subjects who met with two-wheeler accidents with complete case records and radiological investigations. RESULTS: A total of 78 individuals reported with maxillofacial trauma from February 2019 to February 2020. The mean age was 31 ± 14 years. There were 74 (94%) males and 4 (6%) females. Forty-nine cases reported before the mandatory helmet use rule and 29 cases reported after the helmet use rule. There was a 36.3% decrease in the incidence of maxillofacial trauma, 23.5% decrease in fractures, and an 89% reduction in the number of victims who underwent open reduction and internal fixation during the post-law period. CONCLUSION: There was a significant reduction in the incidence and severity of maxillofacial trauma after the implementation of the helmet rule.