The relationship between aetiology and distribution of facial lacerations

Abstract

Objectives. To assess the relationship between aetiology and distribution of facial lacerations using soft tissue landmarks. Method. Data from 1760 consecutive patients attending Accident and Emergency over a 2-year period, totalling 1870 lacerations, was traced using a departmental database with manual reference to patient notes where necessary. Data collected included patient age, sex, aetiology of laceration and site of laceration. Scalp and intraoral lacerations were excluded from the study. For each aetiology, a chi-squared test was performed with a null hypothesis of “no significant difference in distribution of lacerations”. Results. The most common causes of facial laceration were falls (56.3%) and assaults (15.5%). A general male predominance was seen (68%), particularly with sporting injuries (91.9%) and assaults (88.3%). A statistically significant (P>0.05) difference in laceration distribution was seen between each aetiology. Conclusions. Aetiology has a profound influence on the distribution of facial lacerations. Although the upper facial 1/3 is often quoted as being the most commonly affected region, this is an oversimplification and is in fact incorrect for particular aetiologies.