An analysis of 711 victims of interpersonal violence to the face, Turin, Italy.

AIM: The aim of this work is to analyze the risk factors in interpersonal violence and to describe the epidemiology, patterns and management of maxillofacial fractures in high volume trauma center of the northern Italy.

MATERIAL: This retrospective study recorded patients hospitalized with maxillofacial fractures, at the division of maxillofacial surgery, Città della Scienza e della Salute University Hospital, Torino, Italy, since January 2001.

METHODS

Only patients who presented with "violence" in the database field for "cause of injury" and with "interpersonal violence" as a subtype of etiology were considered. Statistical analysis was determined using the χ(2) or Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

2567 patients were admitted. 711 patients (27.7%) had undergone interpersonal violence that has increased from 20% to 35% in the study period. The male-to-female ratio was 11:1; the mean age was 32.7. 247 patients were foreigners (34.7%). 107 patients were enrolled in that study, referred alcohol or drugs abuse. IPV episodes account for 953 maxillofacial fractures localized in 55.3% of the cases in the midface, 43.1% in the lower third. Particularly the trauma involved the orbital region and the maxillo-orbito-zygomatic region. 4.4% of patients had combined trauma.

CONCLUSION

IPV maxillofacial fractures in Europe such as in Italy are becoming one of the first cause of injuries. This study shows that young males and foreigners are involved in violence mostly during the weekend. These fractures occur due to fists frequently involving the maxillo-zygomatic-orbital complex.