Helmet use protects against maxillofacial injuries due to scooter and bicycle accidents: Study

All the studies included were non-randomized, possibly leading to bias in the pooled results. Testing was done for the data from the included studies for heterogeneity using the binary random-effects model. The odds ratio was determined for maxillofacial injury occurrence in cyclists wearing helmets versus those not.

The researchers found that wearing a helmet significantly reduced the risk of maxillofacial injury after trauma by 32%. The pooled odds ratio for the studies included in the meta-analysis was 0.682.

"This systematic literature review found that wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle remarkably decreased the risk of sustaining a maxillofacial injury in the event of a bicycle accident, with an OR of 0.682 indicating a risk reduction of 32%," they explained.

"There is a change in traffic patterns globally, with a notable increase in the use of scooters and bicycles as a transportation means," the researchers wrote.

"Strict regulations regarding helmet use for those using e-bikes and bicycles might help reduce the incidence of traumatic injuries in general and maxillofacial injuries in particular," they concluded.

Reference:

Stassen, H., Atalik, T., Haagsma, J., Wolvius, E., Verdonschot, R., & Rozeboom, A. (2023). Effect of helmet use on maxillofacial injuries due to bicycle and scooter accidents: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2023.01.013