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Assault and facial soft tissue injuries
J P Shepherd1, M Y Al-Kotany, C Subadan
1University Department of Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery, Bristol Dental School and Hospital.
British Journal of Plastic Surgery
|November 1, 1987
Summary
Facial wounds are the most common soft tissue injuries from assault, particularly in young adult males. Women sustained proportionally more chest, abdominal, and limb injuries.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Medicine
- Trauma Surgery
- Public Health
Background:
- Assaults frequently result in soft tissue injuries requiring medical attention.
- Understanding injury patterns is crucial for resource allocation and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that facial wounds are the most common soft tissue injuries in assault victims.
- To analyze demographic factors and injury distribution in assault survivors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 225 consecutive assault victims' records.
- Data collection included patient demographics, injury location, and attendance time/date.
- Statistical analysis using chi-squared tests to compare injury patterns.
Main Results:
- Facial injuries were the most common (supported hypothesis).
- Men had significantly higher rates of facial injuries (72%) than women (57%).
- Women had more frequent chest, abdominal, and limb injuries.
- Middle third facial injuries were most common (59%), followed by upper (25%) and lower thirds (16%).
- Left-sided facial injuries were more prevalent than right-sided.
- Assault risk peaked on weekends, late nights (10 pm-2 am), and during summer months (July-October).
Conclusions:
- Facial wounds are indeed the predominant injury from assault.
- Distinct injury patterns exist between male and female assault victims.
- The findings highlight the significant role of plastic and oral surgeons in managing assault-related trauma.