AB132. SOH22ABS165. Maxillofacial injuries and electric scooter use in Ireland

Background: Electric scooters [e-scooters (ES)], are an increasingly popular mode of transport. Currently their use is not regulated under Irish road traffic law. The purpose of this study is to assess the numbers of patients with ES-related maxillofacial injuries.

Methods: This study retrospectively examined data for all patients referred to the maxillofacial surgery department with ES related facial injuries between June 2020 and November 2021. Patient records were reviewed and the following data recorded: demographics, mechanism of injury, diagnosis, use of protective equipment, concurrent alcohol use, and treatment provided.

Results: ES-associated maxillofacial injuries were identified in 40 patients. Mean age was 37 years (range, 8–81 years), with a strong male predominance (n=30). There were 48 facial fractures in 40 patients. The most common injury was mandibular fractures (n=13) followed by zygomatic complex fractures (n=12). Most patients (n=37) were not wearing protective head gear at the time of their injury, and of these traumatic brain injuries were diagnosed in 16.2% (n=6). A quarter of patients (n=10) reported being under the influence of alcohol at the time of injury. Forty-three percent (n=17) of patients required operative management of their injuries.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates an emerging relationship between ES use and maxillofacial injuries with an associated burden on the health services. In order to minimise these injuries, it is recommended that the use of ES should be regulated with specific attention to the mandatory use of helmets and requirement for blood alcohol concentrations in line with regulations linked to other motor vehicles.

Keywords: Alcohol; electric scooters [e-scooters (ES)]; maxillofacial; regulation; trauma