An analysis of 3599 midfacial and 1141 orbital blowout fractures among 4426 United States Army Soldiers, 1980-2000.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to present the epidemiology associated with 3599 midfacial and 1141 orbital blowout fractures.


METHODS
We conducted a multicenter, 20-year retrospective analysis of hospitalization data on U.S. Army active duty soldiers.


RESULTS
Men composed 96% of the patients, with men aged 20 to 29 years the most affected. Of midfacial and blowout fractures, 54.8% and 70.2% occurred with concomitant injury, with 36.2% and 50.9% sustaining other facial fractures, respectively. Three hundred forty orbital blowout fractures (29.8%) had an associated eye injury. Common mechanisms included fighting and motor vehicle accidents.


CONCLUSIONS
Young men comprised the most susceptible population, and assault was the predominant mechanism. A high incidence of concomitant injury in midfacial and orbital blowout fractures, particularly ocular and intracranial injury, emphasizes the importance of a thorough physical examination.


CONCLUSIONS
We report the results from one of the largest series of midfacial and orbital floor blowout fractures from a population that crosses urban, rural, and foreign boundaries.
Ophthalmology Service, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA 98431, USA. Jeffrey.Shere@nw.amedd.army.mil
Jeffrey L
JL
Shere
Jason R
JR
Boole
Michael R
MR
Holtel
Paul J
PJ
Amoroso
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009917:Orbital Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014481:United States; D014754:Violence