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Craniofacial and dental injuries associated with stand‐up electric scooters
Author(s) -
Kim Minsik,
Lee Soyeon,
Ko Dong Ryul,
Kim DaeHoon,
Huh JongKi,
Kim JaeYoung
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
dental traumatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1600-9657
pISSN - 1600-4469
DOI - 10.1111/edt.12620
Subject(s) - craniofacial , medicine , concussion , traumatology , poison control , medical record , craniofacial abnormality , injury prevention , dental trauma , dentistry , medical emergency , orthopedic surgery , surgery , psychiatry
Background/Aim With the recent increased share of stand‐up electric scooters (e‐scooters), it is common to see people riding e‐scooters on the roads in Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate traumatic injuries to the craniofacial region related to e‐scooter accidents and to determine the role of dentists (especially oral and maxillofacial surgeons) in the evaluation of patients with trauma at the emergency department due to an e‐scooter accident. Materials and Methods This retrospective study investigated the medical records of patients who visited the Gangnam Severance Hospital Emergency Care Center for trauma related to e‐scooter use from January 1, 2017 to March 31, 2020. Medical records were reviewed to determine the injuries sustained to the craniofacial region related to e‐scooter use, including location of the injury (eg, cranium, craniofacial bone, teeth, soft tissue) and the type of trauma (eg, fracture, laceration, abrasion, contusion, concussion). Result A total of 256 patients' medical records were evaluated. Among them, 125 patients (48.8% of all patients) had sustained craniofacial trauma. Laceration (n = 56, 44.8%) was the most common type of craniofacial injury, followed by cerebral concussion (n = 49, 39.2%), dental injury (n = 27, 21.6%), and craniofacial bone fracture (n = 16, 12.8%). Conclusion Dentists should always consider the possibility of brain trauma and perform a complete craniofacial and oral examination when assessing patients after e‐scooter accidents as outlined by the International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines. Additionally, it is necessary to educate e‐scooter riders about the importance of wearing protective devices, such as helmets, to reduce the risk of injuries to the craniofacial region.