Dentofacial injuries in commercial motorcycle accidents in Cameroon: Pattern and cost implication of care

Abstract

Objective: To assess the pattern of dentofacial injuries in commercial motorcycle accidents among riders and passengers in Cameroon. Methods: This was a hospital based study conducted in 6 out of 10 regional capitals in the months of December 2011 to September 2012. Analyzed information included age, gender, residence, role on the motorcycle (rider or passenger), type, pattern and month of injury, cost, duration and patient's perception about the cost of treatment. Results: A total of 387 patients were studied with majority of the patients being 21-30 years (39.8%), males (63.8%), passengers (57.3%) and urban dwellers (85.8%). Most of the injuries occurred in December (20.7%), January (19.4%) and February (20.2%). Soft tissue injuries were most frequent (91.2%) followed by trauma to the teeth (83.5%), of which 62.3% were tooth loss. Mandibular fracture was commoner than maxillary fracture; (45% versus 25.3%). A total of 44.2% of patients received their treatment as in-patients. The treatment of the dentofacial injuries among 64.3% of the patients lasted for more than a month. A total of 51.9% of the patients spent 100,000 francs ($200) or more for their treatment. More than half (51.4%) of the patients perceived the cost of treatment as expensive. Conclusion: Dentofacial injuries in commercial motorcycle accidents necessitated hospital admission and lengthy treatment time with high attendant cost. Preventing these injuries will serves as a form of poverty reduction as money that will be used by the victim to better their life is not used to correct deformities or treat injuries.

Crash characteristics and pattern of motorcycle related facial bone fractures in a sub-urban Nigerian teaching hospital

“…The poor state of roads, harsh economic condition, lack of efficient public transport system, and rising spate of youth unemployment have popularized the use of MC for road transport in Sub-Saharan Africa. [ 2 3 7 18 ] Although previous studies from Nigeria have reported the pattern of facial injuries sustained by MC crash victims,[ 4 15 16 18 ] none has been able to relate the crash characteristics to the pattern of injuries and status of patients involved in such crashes. Thus, a holistic appraisal and characterization of MC-related injuries is necessary to develop strategy on prevention and enforce adherence to road traffic safety regulations.…”

“…In agreement with similar studies, we found a high male preponderance and the victims were predominantly below 30 years of age. [ 4 7 11 16 19 20 21 ] It has been argued that the male gender tends to be more adventurous and likely to indulge in injury prone adventures such as dangerous driving and use of automobile for commercial purposes. Furthermore, majority of the patients in this research were mostly unemployed youths.…”

“…[ 1 2 3 4 ] Most of these deaths are attributable to road traffic crashes (RTC) involving the vulnerable road users. [ 5 6 7 8 ] Facial bone fracture constitutes a substantial proportion of trauma globally, and it often results in serious morbidity and sometimes fatal consequence. [ 3 9 10 ] These injuries pose a huge economic burden due to treatment costs, rehabilitation, disabilities, and man-hour loss occasioned by hospital stay.…”

“…[ 3 9 10 ] These injuries pose a huge economic burden due to treatment costs, rehabilitation, disabilities, and man-hour loss occasioned by hospital stay. [ 3 7 ]…”

“…[ 11 12 13 14 15 16 ] The high incidence of oral and maxillofacial injuries has been attributed to the heavy reliance on MC as a mode of transportation in the low- and middle-income countries. [ 2 7 11 14 15 17 ]…”