Farm-related maxillofacial injuries - a five-year retrospective review

Agriculture is one of the most hazardous occupational sectors globally. The inherent nature of agricultural work places farm workers at considerable risk of injury. Few studies have focused on the patterns of maxillofacial injuries in this cohort AIMS: To investigate maxillofacial injuries sustained in farming-related incidents in Ireland over five years to determine the burden on the agricultural workforce and the health service.

This work involved a retrospective review of all trauma presentations to our unit over five years. The data collected included patient demographics, injury mechanisms and patterns, and management of fractures.

The study identified 63 eligible patients with facial fractures resulting from farm-related activities between 2020 and 2025. A total of 79 facial fractures were recorded. Males (89%) were more likely to suffer a maxillofacial injury than females (11%). The mean age was 50.64 +/- 19.7. Animal-related trauma was the most common mechanism (63%), followed by machinery (17%), falls (10%) and being struck with an obstacle (10%). The incidence of head injury was 10%. A further 17% had a non-maxillofacial injury. The most commonly affected facial region was the middle third (78%), with zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures most commonly recorded (32%).

Farm-related activities carry a high risk of maxillofacial injury. Future work should focus on methods to mitigate injury, through legislation, education and proactive safety measures.