Maxillofacial injuries associated with domestic violence

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report the incidence, causes, and patterns of maxillofacial injury associated with domestic violence. Patients and Methods: A retrospective review of patients treated for domest ic violence injuries at an inner-city hospital over a 5-year period was don e, and data were collected on type and location of injury, mechanism of inj ury, alcohol involvement, and treatment. Results: The sample consisted of 236 emergency room admissions. The majorit y (81%) of victims presented with maxillofacial injuries. The fist was a fa vorite means for assaults (67%). The middle third of the face was most comm only involved (69%). Soft tissue injuries were the most common type of inju ry (61%). Facial fractures were present in 30% of victims. The average numb er of mandible fractures per patient was 1.32. The majority of facial fract ures (40%) were nasal fractures. Left-sided facial injuries were more commo n than right sided. Conclusions: These data confirm that most victims of domestic violence sust ain maxillofacial injuries. Midface injuries predominate. The preponderance of facial injuries makes it very likely that oral and maxillofacial Surgeo ns will be involved in the care of these patients. (C) 2001 American Associ ation of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.