Trend of alcohol involvement in maxillofacial trauma

Ethanol is regularly consumed by individuals in social settings. However, overindulgence can lead to impaired judgment and physical harm. This study examines the trend of alcohol-related facial fractures at a tertiary trauma over 2 consecutive time periods.

A retrospective database of patients presenting to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery service at Christchurch Hospital during an 11-year period was reviewed, and data from the 2 5.5-year periods were compared. Variables examined included demographics, type of fractures, mode of injury, and treatment delivered.

A total of 1,264 patients were identified to have alcohol-related facial fractures, 624 in the first half of the period and 640 in the second half. More than 90% were male, with 66% of these patients in the 15-29-year age group in each period. Assault accounted for 73% in the first period and 82% in the second period, and motor vehicle accidents accounted for 18% and 8% of fractures, respectively, in the two periods. A total of 64% and 58% of these patients required hospital admission and surgery, respectively, in the first period, and 66% were hospitalised and 60% treated surgically in the second period.

There was no significant change between the 2 periods in terms of demographics, pattern of fractures, and treatment modality. The incidence of assault-related fractures were on the rise and motor vehicle accident-related fractures were declining. Alcohol-related fractures continued to be the main problem in young male adults involved in fights. There should be public awareness to educate these people on this harmful effect of drinking.