Study of facial injuries sustained in cases of fatal accidents and intentional violence

Abstract

Injuries or mutilation on the face can have disastrous effect on individuals. Unnoticed cranio-facial injuries especially those with  fractures can lead to blindness, deafness, facial paralysis with many other medical problems and disabilities. Substantial progress has  been made in treating craniofacial trauma with several specialties like maxillofacial, plastic, ENT and neurosurgery being involved.  This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological data, injury pattern, role of patient and prevalence of cases in facial injuries. The  study was a cross-sectional observational study conducted during the period of 18 months, on the cases of deaths associated with  facial injuries, brought for medico legal autopsy to the mortuary of the Department of Forensic Medicine, V.M.M.C. &Safdarjung  hospital, New Delhi. The study included 257 cases that were reported to the Mortuary with facial injuries. The peak incidence was,  however, observed in the age group of 15 - 24 years with a male: female ratio of 2.43:1. Road Traffic Accident (RTA) that resulted in  55.64% of total followed by burns 30% and Assault 09.33 cases. Two-wheeler (motorcycle/ scooter) occupants dominated the list with  43.35% cases and Pedestrians seconded the list with 20.27% cases. Alcohol association was observed with the etiology of facial  injuries. Most common type of injury was found to be soft tissue injuries (93.33%) cases. The authors gave recommendation to reduce  the incidents/accidents leading to Facial injuries.