"50% of Electric Scooter Accident Patients Suffer Injuries to the Face and Head"

Research Results by Professor Kim Jaeyoung's Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Team at Gangnam Severance Hospital

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] A study has found that nearly half of electric scooter accident patients suffer injuries to the craniofacial area, including the face and head.

Professor Kim Jae-young's team from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Gangnam Severance Hospital conducted a study on a total of 256 patients who visited the hospital emergency center due to injuries from electric scooter accidents between January 2017 and March 2020, confirming this fact on the 30th. The research team classified patient groups according to the injured body parts and types of injuries for the study.

As a result, among the 256 patients, 125 (48.8%) had craniofacial injuries. Among the types of craniofacial injuries, lacerations (56 patients, 44.8%), where the skin is torn, were the most common. This was followed by concussions (49 patients, 39.2%), dental injuries (27 patients, 21.6%), skin abrasions (17 patients, 13.6%), and craniofacial fractures (16 patients, 12.8%).

In the craniofacial injury patient group, males accounted for a higher proportion at 60.8%. By age, those in their 20s numbered 51, making up 40.8% of the total.

Patients who suffered craniofacial or dental injuries from electric scooters showed an increasing trend every year. The patient group, which was only 12 in 2017, steadily increased to 16 in 2018 and 61 in 2019. In the first quarter of last year alone, 36 patients were confirmed. Notably, there was a sharp increase in September 2018. The research team analyzed that there is a correlation between the rapid rise in injuries and the official launch of electric scooter sharing services at that time.

Among the 27 patients with dental injuries, 15 showed severe dental trauma symptoms, such as complicated crown fractures, tooth dislocations, and alveolar bone fractures. Most dental injuries occurred in the front teeth, with upper jaw teeth being injured more frequently than lower jaw teeth.

Professor Kim said, "Electric scooters have small wheels and a high center of gravity, making it easy for the wheels to get caught in road grooves and increasing the likelihood of falls during sudden stops or collisions, which easily leads to injuries." He added, "Since electric scooter accidents have a high possibility of causing concussions, craniofacial, and dental injuries, helmets that protect the entire head and face should be worn."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.