Clinical Articles
Maxillofacial injuries associated with domestic violence*

https://doi.org/10.1053/joms.2001.27490Get rights and content

Abstract

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 domestic violence injuries at an inner-city hospital over a 5-year period was done, and data were collected on type and location of injury, mechanism of injury, alcohol involvement, and treatment. Results: The sample consisted of 236 emergency room admissions. The majority (81%) of victims presented with maxillofacial injuries. The fist was a favorite means for assaults (67%). The middle third of the face was most commonly involved (69%). Soft tissue injuries were the most common type of injury (61%). Facial fractures were present in 30% of victims. The average number of mandible fractures per patient was 1.32. The majority of facial fractures (40%) were nasal fractures. Left-sided facial injuries were more common than right sided. Conclusions: These data confirm that most victims of domestic violence sustain maxillofacial injuries. Midface injuries predominate. The preponderance of facial injuries makes it very likely that oral and maxillofacial surgeons will be involved in the care of these patients. © 2001 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

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Patients and methods

The records of 236 patients treated for domestic violence injuries between the beginning of January 1992 and the end of December 1996 at an inner-city level I trauma hospital (Legacy Emanuel Hospital, Portland, OR) were retrospectively reviewed. Using the Emanuel ER Registry, information was requested on all women who gave a positive history of being intentionally injured by their spouse or sexual partner during this period. Data were collected on type and location of injury, mechanism of

Results

The results are based on the records of 236 consecutive emergency room admissions for domestic violence. Mean patient age was 31.4 years, with a range between 15 and 71 years. All cases were females. One hundred fifty-five (66%) patients had reported previous abuse. Thirty-four patients (14%) had injuries severe enough to require admission to the hospital. One patient died as a result of her injuries.

The majority (78%) of victims were single, separated, or divorced. One hundred and seventy-nine

Discussion

This is a retrospective study of 236 consecutive emergency room visits of patients who sustained injuries as a result of domestic violence. The patients included in this study were obtained from the LEHHC Patient Registry. Data for this registry, started in 1983, are collected at multiple points of entry. The data are entered and E-coded based on the nature of the disease, mechanism of injury, trauma, etc. Only those patients designated through an E code as injured by interpersonal violence by

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Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr Le: 273 East Glenarm St, #5, Pasadena, CA 91106; e-mail: [email protected]

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