Trauma remains to be a leading cause of maxillofacial injury globally. Motorized two wheelers (MTWs) are the main cause of (73%) maxillofacial injuries in the road traffic accidents; in several studies, the right side of maxillofacial injuries was reported as the common side of injury than left side. In our previous study, the percentage of the right side injuries was higher than the left side.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influencing factors of the maxillofacial injury by MTWs and to find the association between the side maxillofacial injuries and the handedness of drivers.

Clusters sampling method was used; 20 clusters were selected in Chennai. Motorized twowheeler drivers were selected. Data collected by prepared questionnaires’ were statistically analyzed. Data included the demographic details, type of vehicle, engine capacity, average driving speed, years of driving, regular usage of the helmet, type, mode and frequency of accident, management, influence of alcohol, and use of the helmet at the time of injury. The side of the facial injury and handedness of drivers were recorded.

From the total of 721 participants, 75.7% were males, 24.3% were females; 46.74% were in the age of 18 to 25; mean age is 29.45. Bikes were 55.9%, scooter 38.2%, moped 8.3%; 59.9% are geared; 50.5% were 80 to 100 cc vehicles types and 37% were 110 to 150 cc types; 62% of male's average speed is 80 km/hour; 53% of female's average speed is less than 40 km/hour. Only 18.06% had used at the time of injury. 39.4% of females had accidents, males had 59.3% (p < 0.0001). Two-wheeler vs two-wheeler accidents were 24.8%; two-wheeler vs four wheeler were 19%; by pedestrians crossing 18.7%; by animal crossing was 16.5%; skid two wheeler 20%. A total of 30.02% were under the influence of alcohol. Right-side injuries were 44.5%; left side 25.9% (p < 0.0001), while 96.9% were right-handers.

Right-side injuries were common in MTW skid and fall. Speed, type of vehicle, handedness, influence of alcohol, use of helmet, mode of injury, all are the determining factors for pattern and severity of injury. Helmet usage would definitely minimize the head injury to some extent.

Mohanavalli S, Thinakaran M, Bala GSV. Evaluation of Influencing Factors and commonly Involving Side in Maxillofacial Injuries in Road Traffic Accidents by Motorized Two Wheelers: A Cross-sectional Study. World J Dent 2017;8(1):49-54.