19 July 2021

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Study: Helmets help protect motorcyclists from facial fractures

Katherine E. Pfaff

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Helmets can prevent or lessen the degree of facial fractures among motorcycle riders, according to a July study by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS)’s Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. In addition, a decrease in facial injuries was found whether the rider wore open- or full-face helmets.

The conclusion was based on a review of 26 studies with nearly 70,000 motorcyclists who were hospitalized following accidents. Among those patients, motorcyclists who did not wear a helmet experienced 3,541 facial fractures than 2,279 facial fractures experienced by motorcycle riders who wore helmets. Additionally, injuries were less serious among helmeted riders as measured by injury severity scales. Further, patients who wore full-face helmets had less severe injuries. 

When divided into thirds of the face, a meta-analysis conducted by researchers found that fractures in the lower part of the face were not impacted by wearing a helmet, suggesting that the portion is vulnerable regardless of helmet-wearing.

Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/joms-study-helmet-use-leads-to-fewer-and-less-severe-facial-fractures-among-motorcyclists-301327244.html