[Sports activities and maxillofacial injuries. Current epidemiologic and clinical aspects relating to a series of 379 cases (1982-1998)].

Background: The constant improvement in the quality of individual life and growing interest in sporting activities have resulted in an increased use of sport in free time at amateur level. As a result, sports injuries have steadily increased since the late 1980s. The aim of this study was to illustrate our experience in the treatment of injuries in this particular category.

Maxillofacial fractures following airbag deployment.

Maxillofacial fractures and associated lesions following airbag deployment were studied in six patients who suffered frontal or fronto-lateral car crashes. Installation of airbags in motor vehicles has reduced the morbidity and the mortality following motor vehicle accidents, but the appearance of new types of trauma directly related to airbag deployment raise questions about the potential danger of these devices when used improperly. The results of this limited study suggest that airbag injuries can be aggravated if: (1) seat belts are not worn; and (2) if the driver's chest is too close to the steering wheel as can easily happen with small people (in our study, two women).