Role of alcohol in maxillofacial fractures.

N Z Med J

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, Christchurch Hospital, Private Bag 4710, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Published: April 2008

Background: Excessive consumption of alcohol results in impaired judgement and inappropriate behaviour, and is often a major contributor to interpersonal violence and motor vehicle accidents. This study examines the experience of a tertiary centre in alcohol-related facial fractures.

Methods: A retrospective database of patients presenting to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Service at Christchurch Hospital (New Zealand) during an 11-year period was reviewed. Variables examined include demographics, type of fractures, mode of injury, and treatment delivered.

Results: 2581 patients presented with facial fractures during the study period, 49% of these being alcohol-related. Males accounted for 88% of alcohol-related fractures and 59% were males in the 15 to 29 year age group; 78% of alcohol-related fractures were due to interpersonal violence and 13% to motor vehicle accidents; 65% required hospital admission and 58% underwent surgery.

Conclusion: The majority of alcohol-related facial fractures were due to interpersonal violence, with young men in the 15 to 29 year age group being predominantly affected. Alcohol-related fractures were associated with an increase in the incidence of hospitalisation and surgery. The high prevalence of alcohol as a contributing factor to facial fractures indicates a need to push for community awareness and public education on the harmful effects of alcohol.

Download full-text PDF

Source

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

interpersonal violence
12
facial fractures
12
alcohol-related fractures
12
fractures
8
motor vehicle
8
vehicle accidents
8
alcohol-related facial
8
year age
8
age group
8
fractures interpersonal
8

Similar Publications

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!