[Epidemiology of facial injuries]

Epidemiological studies of maxillofacial trauma are numerous in the literature, but as a general rule their results are applicable to the investigated cohort only. Nevertheless, major differences in pattern of maxillofacial fractures have been reported between these studies. The longitudinal Nijmegen study (period 1960-1987) describes changes in the pattern of maxillofacial fractures for the Dutch situation. Traffic accidents still are the major cause of maxillofacial trauma, but the contribution of violent crimes and sports is rising. In addition, alcohol abuse as a factor in maxillofacial trauma has increased from 3% to 12% between 1960 and 1987. The current Dutch and international registration and classification systems need consent to allow for comparison of the results. Such systems should include ranking according to etiology, means of transport and age. Insight in the pattern of accidents, including maxillofacial trauma, will result in better ways of prevention of such accidents.