The patterns of facial injury suffered by patients in road traffic accidents: a case controlled study.

Road traffic accidents cause severe facial injuries and are frequently associated with injuries to other organ systems. The aims of this study were to define the facial injuries suffered by victims of road trauma and assess the need for a multidisciplinary approach to their management. A retrospective study of all patients over 14years of age suffering facial injuries over a five year period was conducted. Data was collected on the nature of their facial and other injuries and the impact of interspeciality management on their treatment. Four hundred and nine patients were identified. The midface was injured more frequently than the mandible and the majority of patients had multiple facial injuries. Neurologic, orthopaedic, thoracic and abdominal injuries were common and impacted on the management of the patients' facial trauma. Road traffic accidents cause more severe facial trauma than other mechanisms of injury. Other organ systems are more likely to be injured and the management of these injuries often impacts on their facial injury treatment demanding high levels of interspeciality cooperation.

Transfer of facially injured road trauma victims and its impact on treatment.

BACKGROUND: Road trauma is a common cause of severe facial injuries. The aim of the present study is to define patients involved, and determine the effect of their geographical origin on treatment and follow up. METHODS: All patients over 14 years of age suffering facial injuries caused by road trauma presenting to the two study hospitals from 1994 to 1999 were identified and details were collected on demographic details and treatment. RESULTS: Four hundred and nine patients met the inclusion criteria. The majority required hospital transfer. Young men were the most frequently injured group of patients. Patients from peripheral regions had significant delays in transfer and treatment. They were made fewer outpatient appointments but attended at the same frequency as patients from the immediate region of the study hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: To minimize delays the process of patient transfer needs to be streamlined and education of staff in peripheral hospitals undertaken regarding facial injuries.