Severity of Maxillofacial Trauma in Motor Bike Riders Among Helmet Wearers vs. Non-Helmet Wearers

Abstract

Background: Maxillofacial trauma is a frequent consequence of motorcycle road traffic accidents and a major cause of morbidity. Helmet use reduces the risk and severity of craniofacial injuries; however, local evidence remains limited. So this study has been planned to assess the severity of maxillofacial trauma among helmeted and non-helmeted motorcycle riders.

Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of OMFS, PIMS Islamabad. A total of 260 patients with motorcycle-related maxillofacial trauma were enrolled, including 130 helmet wearers and 130 non-helmet wearers. Injury severity was assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Facial Injury Severity Scale (FISS). Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 28.

Results: The mean age was 26.65 ± 13.19 years in non-helmet wearers and 25.53 ± 8.71 years in helmet wearers. Helmet wearers had significantly better neurological status, with 99.2% having a normal GCS compared with 90.8% of non-helmet wearers (p = 0.016). The mean FISS score was significantly lower in helmet wearers (3.81 ± 3.23) than non-helmet wearers (5.72 ± 3.37, p < 0.001). Displaced fractures (79.2% vs. 54.6%) and surgical management (78.5% vs. 61.5%) were significantly more common among non-helmet wearers (both p < 0.01). More than 99% of patients recovered at discharge.

Conclusion: Helmet use was associated with significantly lower severity of maxillofacial trauma, fewer displaced fractures, and reduced need for surgical intervention, supporting stricter enforcement of helmet use.

Keywords: Maxillofacial trauma; Helmet use; Motorcycle accidents; Facial injury severity scale; Glasgow Coma Scale.