Maxillofacial injuries associated with all-terrain vehicles

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are popular recreational vehicles.
• ATV accidents are a significant cause of traumatic injuries.
• Maxillofacial and head injuries are common in ATV-related incidents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the pattern and frequency of maxillofacial injuries from ATV accidents.
• To evaluate injury mechanisms and document hospital stays.
• To characterize associated injuries in patients treated at a level 1 trauma center.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patients admitted with ATV-related injuries between July 1995 and August 1996.
• Inclusion criteria: sufficient documentation of injury events, demographics, and perioperative care.
• Data collected: age, sex, injury mechanism, facial injuries, associated injuries, and length of stay.

Main Results:

• Seventy-two patients met study criteria; 82% were male.
• 35% sustained maxillofacial injuries, including 14 fractures (1 mandibular, 13 midface).
• Common associated injuries included extremity fractures (16) and closed head injuries (17); average hospital stay was 4.7 days.

Conclusions:

• Head and maxillofacial injuries, particularly midface trauma, are prevalent after ATV accidents.
• Orbital trauma with severe globe injury was a notable finding.
• Anticipation of multiple system injuries and public education on ATV risks are crucial.