A comparative study of maxillo-facial trauma in Bristol and Bordeaux

Consecutive patients with maxillofacial fractures who attended departments of maxillofacial surgery in Bristol and Bordeaux during 1985-1986 were surveyed prospectively to determine differences in demography and aetiology and patterns of injury. 1,652 patients were included: 1,146 in Bordeaux and 506 in Bristol. Significantly more patients with nasal complex fractures were treated in Bordeaux reflecting management of these injuries by oto-rhino-laryngologists in Bristol. Maxillary fractures were comparatively more frequent in Bordeaux, reflecting a higher incidence of road accidents. Significantly more assault victims were treated by maxillofacial surgeons in Bristol, though per capita alcohol consumption by age and sex matched individuals was greater in France than in the U.K. Incidence of fracture was 18/100,000 hospital catchment population/year in Bordeaux, compared to 32/100,000 population/year in Bristol; reflecting that in contrast to Bristol, specialists in private practice outside the regional centre treated patients with fractures in S. W. France. Differences in aetiology of injury could be explained by cultural factors. Formal twinning arrangements and EEC membership provide excellent opportunities for postgraduate education, training and collaborative clinical research.