A Prospective Multicenter Study of Injury Profile, Severity and Risk Factors in 221 Motorcycle-Injured Nigerian Maxillofacial Patients

Objective: This 12-month prospective multi-center study was designed to ascertain the entire injury profile, injury severity, and risk factors in motorcycle injured Nigerian maxillofacial patients. Methods: With a validated investigator-administered questionnaire, we obtained data from motorcycle-injured in- and out-patients managed in the maxillofacial units of four Nigerian teaching hospitals. Standardized information on host factors, agent, and type of crash as well as location, type, and extent of injury were elicited. Injuries were scored using the Facial Injury Severity and Abbreviated Injury scales (FISS, AIS). Results: A significant male preponderance was observed (p = 0.003) with peak age 21–30 years; 62.7% of the patients were riders. Alcohol/substance abuse was implicated in 31.2% of riders, fatigue in 13.5%, and bad roads in 17.6%. The rate of helmet use was 3%. The predominant type of crash was head-on collision (HOC) 58%). Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score ranged from 5 to 15 with mean 13.3 (3....