Incidence and Aetiology of Facial Injuries Resulting from Motor Vehicle Accidents in Queensland for a Three-year Period

Background: No studies have been reported on the frequency and aetiology of facial injuries due to MVAs in Queensland. This study aims to investigate the incidence, aetiology, age and sex distribution of facial injuries resulting from MVAs for a period of three years.

Method: Cases were identified from the Motor Accident Insurance Commission, Queensland. Information including the type of injury sustained, the time, age and role of the patient in the accident were recorded and analysed.

Results: There was an average maxillofacial injury incidence of 4.8/100,000 per year, 53.5 per cent in males and 46.5 per cent in females. A peak incidence was found for both sexes aged 18 to 22 years. In males, 57 per cent of facial injuries occurred in this age group compared to 41 per cent in females.

Conclusions: Maxillofacial injuries as a result of MVAs are still relatively high regardless of the legislation for compulsory seatbelt use. Recent advances in seatbelt systems have the potential to reduce the risk of head and face impacts. The airbag is also well established as an effective means of preventing serious head and face injury. However, more research is required to further reduce the incidence of maxillofacial injuries as a result of MVAs.