Correlation of Pattern and Presentation of Maxillofacial Injuries with Seatbelt Law Compliance in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND Injuries to the soft and hard tissues of the facial region, have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. The etiology of these injuries varies depending on the country. In Saudi Arabia, road traffic accidents account for the majority of maxillofacial injuries seen. One of the measures taken to mitigate the impact of traffic accidents was enforcement of the use of seatbelts. However, compliance with this measure appears to be waning among the populace. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the rates of compliance with seatbelt use in 435 patients involved in vehicular accidents that resulted in maxillofacial injuries in Saudi Arabia between 2006 and 2021. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a retrospective review of maxillofacial and associated injuries in patients who presented and had treatment at the Armed Forces Hospital in the southern region of Saudi Arabia between January 2006 and December 2021 following motor vehicle accidents. Collated data was from patients' medical records, noting age, social demographics, injury type and site, and seatbelt usage. RESULTS A total of 435 patients were included in the study, with a male-to-female ratio of 3.35: 1. The majority of the patients were in the age group 21-40 years, and were drivers (n=210). More injuries were seen in patients not wearing a seatbelt. Middle face fractures and abrasions were the most common bony and soft-tissue injuries seen, with open reduction being the treatment of choice. CONCLUSIONS The seatbelt use compliance rate is low among the populace of Saudi Arabia, and maxillofacial injuries are seen more in non-users of seatbelts following road traffic accidents.