A 4-year retrospective study of facial fractures on Jeju, Korea

SummaryA number of researchers from various regions have reported statistical and clinical studies of facial fractures. The results of those studies show slight differences depending on regional, cultural, social and economic backgrounds. This report presents a statistical analysis of facial fractures occurring over 4 years on Jeju, Korea. The statistics come from the 318 patients who presented to Cheju National University Hospital for facial fractures, and ours is a retrospective study analyzing patient ages, gender, fracture etiology, alcohol involvement and the anatomical site of the fracture. The most common cause of facial fractures on Jeju was violence (40.9%), followed by traffic accidents (17%). The most frequently fractured site was the nasal bone (42.5%). According to the Jeju Statistics Agency, the people of Jeju are highly dependent on alcohol and previous research has reported the close relationship between alcohol consumption and violence. We paid close attention to violence as a primary cause for facial fractures in the cultural and social context of Jeju. Data analysis regarding facial fractures may provide crucial information for recognition of causes and planning for prevention.