Maxillofacial trauma in relation to patients’ sobriety – a one-year epidemiological analysis

Abstract

Introduction. The maxillofacial skeleton protects the areas particularly susceptible to injuries. Maxillofacial fractures occur when the force of an injury exceeds the biomechanical bone tolerance. Excessive alcohol consumption evokes violence, brutality and assault and other harmful human behaviour. Alcohol abuse seems to be crucial in evoking situations resulting in severe maxillofacial traumas or permanent disability. Objective. The aim of the study was an epidemiological analysis of patients admitted to hospital to Chair and Clinic of Maxillofacial Surgery in Medical University of Lublin in 2011 due to facial traumas. This study discusses the association between alcohol consumption and maxillofacial trauma. Materials and method. The research group constituted 226 patients admitted to hospital due to facial trauma in 2011. The following factors were considered in the study: patients' age, cause of trauma, place of residence, and alcohol consumption prior to the trauma. Conclusions. It was observed that 53% of the patients underwent maxillofacial trauma while under the influence of alcohol. Its consumption was significant in the analysis of gender, age, cause of trauma, and the place of residence of patients with maxillofacial trauma examined within one year.

Most common principal diagnoses assigned to Australian emergency department presentations involving alcohol use: a multi‐centre study

“…Previous research has identified that individuals with high levels of alcohol consumption are at greater risk for traumatic brain injury from head injury compared with the general population and men are more likely to experience wound/ laceration of the head than women. 26 Several studies have shown that alcohol intoxication has a strong association with the incidence of facial/head injuries, 5,27,28 which may result from aggression, violence, falls, a tendency to fight and other risky behaviours. 28 In an Australian study, interpersonal violence related to alcohol consumption was the most common cause of facial fractures, followed by falls and transport-related injuries, and the male gender accounted for the majority of these incidents, 29 which was consistent with this study.…”

“…26 Several studies have shown that alcohol intoxication has a strong association with the incidence of facial/head injuries, 5,27,28 which may result from aggression, violence, falls, a tendency to fight and other risky behaviours. 28 In an Australian study, interpersonal violence related to alcohol consumption was the most common cause of facial fractures, followed by falls and transport-related injuries, and the male gender accounted for the majority of these incidents, 29 which was consistent with this study.…”