Role of alcohol in maxillofacial fracturesJournal of New Zealand Medical Association 4 April 2008 Vol 121 No. 1271
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.
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.
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.
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