[Profile of maxillofacial trauma in bicycle accidents]

To determine the maxillofacial trauma profile, concomitant results and treatment of those persons injured in bicycle accidents. Several variables were identified such as age, sex, mechanism, place, month, injury patterns and symptomatology, time for receiving medical care, and treatments.

This was an exploratory, descriptive, analytic, and retrospective study. All patients with maxillofacial trauma injury as a result of bicycle accidents were admitted to the emergency service in 2002 in the traumatology hospital Victorio de la Fuente Narváez, Mexican Institute of Social Security that covers the entire Federal District zone and some suburbs, without any distinction made as to injury specialty.

Patients (127) with maxillofacial trauma from bicycle accidents were identified. Children aged 6 to 10 years were the most affected. There was more injury in soft tissue in the midfacial area, such as contusions, injuries dermabrasion and some fractures resulting in nose trauma. Most of the accidents happened in the streets by falling from the bicycles. Forty six persons had more than two maxillofacial injuries. Head trauma with cervically projected sprain was demonstrated as associated trauma. More than 50% of the patients received immediate treatment under local anesthesia by maxillofacial surgery or orthopedics and traumatology during the afternoon and night.

Prevention programs for parents and children in homes, schools and medical care facilities should be established to encourage traffic education and the use of protective headgear.