Researcher(s)
- Wasma Ali, Medical Laboratory Science, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Daniel Meara, Oral and Maxillofacial,
- Adrienne Holloway, Swank Memory Center,
Abstract
Micromobility and mopeds including e-scooters, e-bikes, and similar devices, have become increasingly more popular and their use has contributed to an increase in injury-related trauma in the ER. Although injuries associated with these vehicles are increasing, characteristics of facial trauma resulting from these accidents remain poorly described. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of facial trauma associated with micromobility and moped related accidents. The research was conducted using a retrospective chart review of 167 patients presenting to the ED following a micromobility related accident. Of these, 90 patients (53.9%) sustained facial injuries and were included in the analysis. Data collected included, sex, race, age, helmet use, injury type, and accident zip code. Soft tissue injuries accounted for 61.11%of facial injuries, hard tissue injuries for 4.4% and combined injuries 34.4%. Most patients were not wearing a helmet (87.8%), with only 10% reported to have been wearing one. Males made up 84.4 % of the injured patients, and the most represented racial group was white (56.7%). No significant associations were identified between facial injury characteristics and patient age or accident ZIP code. Facial trauma related to micromobility and moped accidents predominantly involved soft tissue injuries, occurred primarily in unhelmeted men. These findings support continued injury prevention efforts and highlight the need for further research to reduce facial trauma injuries associated with micromobility and moped accidents.