Evaluation of the Severity of Maxillo-Facial Injuries by Motorcycle Road Accident in the Teaching Hospital of Conakry: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Introduction: Maxillofacial injuries caused by motorcycle road accidents are serious and represent a real public health issue. They mainly affect young adult males. The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of motorcycle road accidents, describe the socio-demographic characteristics of the injured, determine the degree of severity of motorcycle injuries compared to car injuries, and describe the therapeutic modalities. Materials and Method: This study was a prospective case-control study carried out in the Department of Odontostomatology, Maxillofacial Surgery and Surgical Emergencies at the National Hospital of Donka. The data was collected over a period of six months from January 1st to June 30th, 2017. All victims of road accidents by motorcycle (cases) or car (controls) that received care and post-surgical follow up were included. Results: A total of 505 patients with maxillofacial injuries were reviewed during the period of the study. From the review, 205 (40.6%) motorcycle accidents were recorded as “cases” and 109 (21.58%) car accidents were classified as “controls” group. Men were the most affected in both groups, n = 254 (177 males in the case group and 77 in the control) (p = 0.01). There was a proportionate relationship between helmet use and death (p = 0.015). A motorcycle accident victim is more likely to develop a mandibular fracture (p = 0.029) and limb injury (p = 0.034) when compared to a car accident victim. However, there was no significant difference between cases and controls for head trauma (p = 0.4878), Facial Injury Severity Scale (FISS) (p = 0.130), and Glasgow score (p = 0.709). Conclusion: Maxillofacial injuries caused by motorcycle accidents are increasing in Guinea. Young adult males have the highest incidence of motorcycle accidents. The death rate related to motorcycle road accidents is high, and mandatory use of a helmet for all drivers and passengers is recommended. These preventative actions could reduce the mortality and morbidity of motorcycle road accidents in Guinea.