Effects of alcohol consumption on maxillofacial fractures in simple falls

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of alcohol consumption (AC) on maxillofacial fractures caused by falls on a level surface (simple falls). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with maxillofacial fractures caused by falls who visited the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic from January 2006 to December 2016 were evaluated. Patients with simple falls were subdivided into those who fell with AC (Falls with AC) and those who fell without AC (Falls without AC). RESULTS: Of 180 patients with falls with maxillofacial fractures, 155 had simple falls, and 25 patients had falls from a height. Of the simple falls, 52 were Falls with AC, and 102 were Falls without AC. Falls with AC were significantly more frequent in males (p = .0005). The average number of fracture lines in the mandible was significantly higher in Falls with AC (2.13 ± 0.99 [mean ± SD]) than in Falls without AC (1.76 ± 0.91) (p = .011). The average Facial Injury Severity Scale was significantly higher in Falls with AC (3.08 ± 1.43) than in Falls without AC (2.43 ± 1.29) (p = .007). CONCLUSIONS: Falls with AC were associated with more severe maxillofacial fractures than Falls without AC.