Bicycle-related maxillofacial injuries: a double-center study.

OBJECTIVE

Bicycle-related injuries account for an important proportion of road injuries all over the world. As only few reports have focused on the characteristics of maxillofacial fractures sustained in bicycle accidents, the purpose of this study was to present and compare epidemiological data about bicycle-related maxillofacial injuries in two European centers between 2001 and 2010.

METHODS

Bicycle-related facial fractures occurred in 105 patients (79 males, 26 females) in Turin, with a percentage of 5.77 among all facial fractures, and in 103 patients (55 males, 50 females) in Amsterdam, with a percentage of 19.69.

RESULTS

The major risk groups include young people between their first to third decades. The mandible is the most frequently involved facial bone. Among mandibular injuries the most commonly involved site was the condyle.

CONCLUSIONS

Bicycle-related injuries must be considered an important etiological factor in maxillofacial fractures with typical patterns, such as a peculiar seasonal incidence.