Maxillofacial trauma patterns and risk factors in 2-wheeler riders: A non-urban South Indian epidemiological study

Area of Science:

• Traumatology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Two-wheelers are a primary transport mode in rural and semi-urban South India.
• Associated factors increase riders' risk of road traffic accidents and maxillofacial trauma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors influencing maxillofacial injury patterns in two-wheeler riders.
• To analyze the impact of helmet use, speed, and accident type on injury severity.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective epidemiological study of 424 maxillofacial injury cases over six years.
• Data collection included demographics, accident specifics, helmet use, and injury patterns.
• Statistical analysis employed chi-square tests and logistic regression modeling.

Main Results:

• Low helmet usage (27.2%) was observed, predominantly in young males (86.8%).
• Higher speeds correlated with increased hard tissue injuries, and all speeds over 80 kph resulted in fractures.
• Non-helmet use significantly increased fracture risk (Exp(B) = 0.015), while collisions led to more midface fractures (Exp(B) = 818,915.984).

Conclusions:

• Young riders are particularly vulnerable to maxillofacial injuries from road traffic accidents.
• Helmet use, speed control, and road infrastructure are critical factors for injury prevention.
• Interventions should focus on these modifiable risk factors to reduce trauma severity.