title: Maxillofacial Fractures due to Falls: does Fall Modality Determine the Pattern of Injury?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In several epidemiological studies of maxillofacial trauma, falls were one of the most frequent causes of facial injury. The aim of this study is to analyse the patterns of fall-related maxillofacial injuries based on the height of the fall.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a systematic computer-assisted database of patients hospitalised with maxillofacial fractures, only those with fall-related injuries were considered. The falls were divided into four groups: falls from slipping, tripping or stumbling (STSF), loss of consciousness (LOCF), stairs (SAF), and height (HF). Data on the age, gender, fracture site, Facial Injury Severity Scale (FISS), facial lacerations, associated lesions, type of treatment, and length of hospital stay were also analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This study included 557 patients (338 males, 219 females; average age 51.5 years [range 4 - 99 years]). In the over 60 age group, females were more prevalent in STSF than males. According to aetiology, STSF was the most frequent cause of maxillofacial fractures (315 patients; 56.5%) followed by LOCF (157; 28.2%), HF (55; 9.9%), and SAF (30; 5.4%). The middle third of the face was affected most frequently. After LOCF, however, the inferior third was prevalently involved. The majority of associated fractures, as well as the most severe injuries and greatest rate of facial lacerations, occurred secondary to HF.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study showed that fracture severity and site are influenced not only by patient age, but also by the nature of the fall.
authors: Surgical Science Department, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Turin, Turin Italy.
authors: Fabio
authors: F
authors: Roccia
authors: Surgical Science Department, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Turin, Turin Italy.
authors: Paolo
authors: P
authors: Boffano
authors: Surgical Science Department, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Turin, Turin Italy.
authors: Francesca A
authors: FA
authors: Bianchi
authors: Surgical Science Department, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Turin, Turin Italy.
authors: Emanuele
authors: E
authors: Zavattero
keywords: accidental falls; etiology; facial injuries; maxillofacial injuries
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