Mechanisms, pattern and treatment costs of maxillofacial injuries.

Facial contact with the steering wheel was the most common source of maxillofacial injuries sustained by vehicle occupants. Maxillofacial injuries to non-restrained occupants, especially children, most commonly resulted from contact with the vehicle's seats. In contrast to previous studies, contact with the windscreen by non-restrained occupants produced only a small number of minor facial injuries. Serious fractures of the facial skeleton were rare and no maxillofacial injury was fatal. A relationship between impact speed and the severity of facial injury sustained was demonstrable. Total compliance with seat belt legislation could be expected to save the National Health Service in excess of 5 pounds million/year from the reduction in maxillofacial injuries alone.