Role of alcohol in maxillofacial fractures.
BACKGROUND
Excessive consumption of alcohol results in impaired judgement and inappropriate behaviour, and is often a major contributor to interpersonal violence and motor vehicle accidents. This study examines the experience of a tertiary centre in alcohol-related facial fractures.


METHODS
A retrospective database of patients presenting to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Service at Christchurch Hospital (New Zealand) during an 11-year period was reviewed. Variables examined include demographics, type of fractures, mode of injury, and treatment delivered.


RESULTS
2581 patients presented with facial fractures during the study period, 49% of these being alcohol-related. Males accounted for 88% of alcohol-related fractures and 59% were males in the 15 to 29 year age group; 78% of alcohol-related fractures were due to interpersonal violence and 13% to motor vehicle accidents; 65% required hospital admission and 58% underwent surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of alcohol-related facial fractures were due to interpersonal violence, with young men in the 15 to 29 year age group being predominantly affected. Alcohol-related fractures were associated with an increase in the incidence of hospitalisation and surgery. The high prevalence of alcohol as a contributing factor to facial fractures indicates a need to push for community awareness and public education on the harmful effects of alcohol.
Lee
Kai H
KH
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, Christchurch Hospital, Private Bag 4710, Christchurch, New Zealand. klee1@gmp.usyd.edu.au
Snape
Leslie
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology*; D006753:Hospital Records / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D008446:Maxillofacial Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014754:Violence