Maxillofacial fractures sustained in bicycle accidents.

The present report is an analysis of 93 patients (52 male; 41 female) treated in 1981-1983 for maxillofacial fractures sustained in bicycle accidents. These accidents accounted for 7.1% of all facial bone fractures treated during the same period. Most accidents were single vehicle accidents (88%) and took place during the summer months. Of the patients, 65% had mandibular fractures, 35% had midface fractures and 5% had fractures in both the middle and lower thirds of the face. Condylar fractures were by far the most common of the mandibular fractures (67%)--a result which differs from studies concerning the profile of mandibular fractures in general. The majority of the middle third fractures were zygomatic (65%). Multiple injuries were diagnosed in 38% of the cyclists and other head injuries were the most common associated injury. Mean hospitalization of the in-patients (38%) was 4.1 days and the average sick leave was 14 days. The results of the study indicate that the use of protective helmets should be strongly recommended to cyclists, although most commercially available helmets do not protect the whole facial area and especially not the chin.