Facial Trauma Injury: Electric Scooters and Adults
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Caitlin Magraw discusses the facial injuries that can occur while riding a motorized scooters and the presenting public health issue.
Featured Speaker:
She is originally from the Washington, D.C. area and completed her undergraduate education at Georgetown University. Educated in both dentistry and medicine, she received her dental degree from Columbia University and medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She completed her residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and an internship in General Surgery at the University of North Carolina Hospitals in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Following residency, she completed fellowship training in Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery at the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Florida, which is associated with one the of largest and busiest Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the country.
She is the Medical Director of the Portland Center for Cleft and Craniofacial Differences. She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor in the OHSU Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as well as the WSU Elson S. Floyd School of Medicine.
Dr. Magraw spends her free time with her husband, daughter, and dog. She also enjoys traveling, hiking, working out, and exploring new restaurants.
Caitlin Magraw, MD, DDS, FACS
Dr. Magraw is a board-certified, fellowship-trained surgical specialist in Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery with expertise in the correction of congenital, developmental, and acquired surgical problems of the skull, face, jaws, and mouth from infancy through adulthood. She is the only surgeon in the state of Oregon to hold a Certificate in Advanced Qualification in Pediatric Craniomaxillofacial Surgery. Her practice includes the management of patients with cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis (abnormal head shape), craniofacial syndromes, Pierre Robin sequence, skeletal facial deformities requiring orthognathic/corrective jaw surgery, and craniomaxillofacial traumatic injuries. Her goal is to provide personalized, compassionate, and comprehensive care to meet each child’s unique needs.She is originally from the Washington, D.C. area and completed her undergraduate education at Georgetown University. Educated in both dentistry and medicine, she received her dental degree from Columbia University and medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She completed her residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and an internship in General Surgery at the University of North Carolina Hospitals in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Following residency, she completed fellowship training in Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery at the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Florida, which is associated with one the of largest and busiest Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the country.
She is the Medical Director of the Portland Center for Cleft and Craniofacial Differences. She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor in the OHSU Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as well as the WSU Elson S. Floyd School of Medicine.
Dr. Magraw spends her free time with her husband, daughter, and dog. She also enjoys traveling, hiking, working out, and exploring new restaurants.
Transcription:
Facial Trauma Injury: Electric Scooters and Adults
Bill Klaproth (host): This is OMS voices, an AAMOS podcast. I'm Bill Klaproth. And with me is Dr. Caitlin Magraw, who is here to discuss facial trauma injuries. Electric scooters and adults. Oh my gosh. Dr. MaGraw, thank you for being here.
Caitlin Magraw: Thank you for having me.
Bill Klaproth (host): Absolutely. So, are motorized scooters more dangerous than the non-motorized? It seems like any scooter would be dangerous, but are the motorized versions more problematic?
Caitlin Magraw: Compared to traditional non-motorized scooters, motorized scooters lead to more serious injuries, which is what researchers concluded in a study published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, which is the official journal of the American Association for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
Bill Klaproth (host): Okay.
Caitlin Magraw: The hospital admission rate was actually higher for motorized scooter injuries. About four times that of non-motorized scooter injuries.
Bill Klaproth (host): Oh my gosh. Well, I imagine you're going faster. You're probably not paying attention and if it's an adult, maybe you're not as good on your feet anymore. Maybe you're 45 or 55 years old, and you're not able to jump off and save yourself, I guess if something bad happens. So, speaking of that, I just mentioned, people that are older. Is there a specific age group though, that experiences more serious injury as a result of a motorized scooter accident?
Caitlin Magraw: Collision speed or fall height may explain the head trauma observed in adults and the high speed and force could lead to a number of fractures. The study notes. In addition, standard half helmets provide limited facial protection And quickly slowing down can result in the rider actually falling over the handlebars.
Bill Klaproth (host): What is a common type of serious facial injury?
Caitlin Magraw: One of the most common injuries to the face occurs when the bones are broken. Fractures can involve the lower jaw or the mandible, the upper jaw, or also known as the maxilla, the pallet cheekbones, which are called the zygomas, the eye sockets or the orbits and a combination of these bones. And many cases, lacerations and other soft tissue injuries. accompany fractures of facial bones. Additionally, teeth can be injured and can compromise the way the teeth come together, which is known as occlusion.
Injuries to the face can affect sight, the ability to breathe swallow. and even chew. Treatment often requires hospitalization. The principles for treating these types of injuries and facial fractures are similar to that of a broken arm or leg. The parts of the bone must be lined up, we call this reduction, and then held in position and that's usually accomplished with fixation long enough to allow the bones to heal.
Bill Klaproth (host): So question, oral maxillofacial surgeons, you were just mentioning cheekbones, eye sockets, other things like that and OMS is capable of treating all of these areas?
Caitlin Magraw: Absolutely oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the Experts in facial reconstruction.
Bill Klaproth (host): So are there steps being taken to help avoid these types of series injuries?
Caitlin Magraw: So there are rules and regulations on motorized scooters, but They do change and vary by state and city. And few states limit age of rider and speed. With motorized scooter injuries occurring in young adults, substance abuse is definitely a concern. Also, because avoiding injury is always best, AAOMS advocates for use of protective helmets for all scooter riders.
Bill Klaproth (host): So when it comes to an OMS, you just said, you know, you are the experts in treating facial injuries. How do you work with the patient? Obviously, if there's an immediate acute injury you're going to work on that. But after the fact, how do you work with patients that may suffer a facial injury?
Caitlin Magraw: Well, it's really the type of injury that dictates the timeline in terms of treatment. So soft tissue injuries are often addressed right away, but there are several bony injuries that we actually treat in a delayed fashion. So, we wait for the swelling to start to improve, and then that's actually when we intervene operatively, if indicated.
Bill Klaproth (host): Right. And then if there's options for the patient, you'll discuss with the person at that time.
Caitlin Magraw: Absolutely. We work with other providers, other treatment experts in various fields to provide coordinated care as indicated.
Bill Klaproth (host): Yeah, because they could have other medical injuries, as what broken arm or whatever, things like that, you're kind of integrating all of that in there. Wow. This is really fascinating, Dr. Magraw. Is there anything else we should know about? Injuries due to scooter accidents?
Caitlin Magraw: Well, I think what we've seen in Portland, Oregon is, there's a large association with injuries that occur when scooters are used later in the evening, which suggests there might be a role for some substance use playing a role in these injuries. So, I would advise the general public to try to avoid using any scooters, especially after indulging in any substances because obviously there's an increased risk for an accident and therefore injury.
Bill Klaproth (host): Absolutely and are there any other tips for riding these scooters such as, I don't know, mouth guards, face guards. I'm just trying to think. Are there any other precautions someone can take before they get on that scooter for that ride?
Caitlin Magraw: Yeah, we definitely recommend protective use of a helmet if possible. And then just trying to ride safely. Sometimes we see multiple people on a scooter or driving down the middle of the road. So just trying to be very careful about how that's good or is being utilized as is incredibly important.
Bill Klaproth (host): Yeah, the two people on a scooter always looks, oh, God tenuous like, 'Oh no. don't, don't do that.' Wow. This is great. Anything else you want to add about facial injuries at all?
Caitlin Magraw: Well, I think this is you know, this area of study is still relatively young. A lot of cities are just introducing these scooter programs. And so we're going to have to look at what happens, especially in the facial injury arena to determine some of the consequences of using this mode of transportation.
Bill Klaproth (host): Absolutely. Well, Dr. Magraw, thank you so much for your time. We appreciate it.
Caitlin Magraw: Thank you for having me.
Bill Klaproth (host): Yeah, you bet. That is Dr. Caitlin Magraw and for more information, please visit MyOMS.org. And if you found this podcast to be interesting, please share it on your social media and don't forget to subscribe. Thanks for listening.
Caitlin Magraw: Thanks for having me.
Facial Trauma Injury: Electric Scooters and Adults
Bill Klaproth (host): This is OMS voices, an AAMOS podcast. I'm Bill Klaproth. And with me is Dr. Caitlin Magraw, who is here to discuss facial trauma injuries. Electric scooters and adults. Oh my gosh. Dr. MaGraw, thank you for being here.
Caitlin Magraw: Thank you for having me.
Bill Klaproth (host): Absolutely. So, are motorized scooters more dangerous than the non-motorized? It seems like any scooter would be dangerous, but are the motorized versions more problematic?
Caitlin Magraw: Compared to traditional non-motorized scooters, motorized scooters lead to more serious injuries, which is what researchers concluded in a study published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, which is the official journal of the American Association for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
Bill Klaproth (host): Okay.
Caitlin Magraw: The hospital admission rate was actually higher for motorized scooter injuries. About four times that of non-motorized scooter injuries.
Bill Klaproth (host): Oh my gosh. Well, I imagine you're going faster. You're probably not paying attention and if it's an adult, maybe you're not as good on your feet anymore. Maybe you're 45 or 55 years old, and you're not able to jump off and save yourself, I guess if something bad happens. So, speaking of that, I just mentioned, people that are older. Is there a specific age group though, that experiences more serious injury as a result of a motorized scooter accident?
Caitlin Magraw: Collision speed or fall height may explain the head trauma observed in adults and the high speed and force could lead to a number of fractures. The study notes. In addition, standard half helmets provide limited facial protection And quickly slowing down can result in the rider actually falling over the handlebars.
Bill Klaproth (host): What is a common type of serious facial injury?
Caitlin Magraw: One of the most common injuries to the face occurs when the bones are broken. Fractures can involve the lower jaw or the mandible, the upper jaw, or also known as the maxilla, the pallet cheekbones, which are called the zygomas, the eye sockets or the orbits and a combination of these bones. And many cases, lacerations and other soft tissue injuries. accompany fractures of facial bones. Additionally, teeth can be injured and can compromise the way the teeth come together, which is known as occlusion.
Injuries to the face can affect sight, the ability to breathe swallow. and even chew. Treatment often requires hospitalization. The principles for treating these types of injuries and facial fractures are similar to that of a broken arm or leg. The parts of the bone must be lined up, we call this reduction, and then held in position and that's usually accomplished with fixation long enough to allow the bones to heal.
Bill Klaproth (host): So question, oral maxillofacial surgeons, you were just mentioning cheekbones, eye sockets, other things like that and OMS is capable of treating all of these areas?
Caitlin Magraw: Absolutely oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the Experts in facial reconstruction.
Bill Klaproth (host): So are there steps being taken to help avoid these types of series injuries?
Caitlin Magraw: So there are rules and regulations on motorized scooters, but They do change and vary by state and city. And few states limit age of rider and speed. With motorized scooter injuries occurring in young adults, substance abuse is definitely a concern. Also, because avoiding injury is always best, AAOMS advocates for use of protective helmets for all scooter riders.
Bill Klaproth (host): So when it comes to an OMS, you just said, you know, you are the experts in treating facial injuries. How do you work with the patient? Obviously, if there's an immediate acute injury you're going to work on that. But after the fact, how do you work with patients that may suffer a facial injury?
Caitlin Magraw: Well, it's really the type of injury that dictates the timeline in terms of treatment. So soft tissue injuries are often addressed right away, but there are several bony injuries that we actually treat in a delayed fashion. So, we wait for the swelling to start to improve, and then that's actually when we intervene operatively, if indicated.
Bill Klaproth (host): Right. And then if there's options for the patient, you'll discuss with the person at that time.
Caitlin Magraw: Absolutely. We work with other providers, other treatment experts in various fields to provide coordinated care as indicated.
Bill Klaproth (host): Yeah, because they could have other medical injuries, as what broken arm or whatever, things like that, you're kind of integrating all of that in there. Wow. This is really fascinating, Dr. Magraw. Is there anything else we should know about? Injuries due to scooter accidents?
Caitlin Magraw: Well, I think what we've seen in Portland, Oregon is, there's a large association with injuries that occur when scooters are used later in the evening, which suggests there might be a role for some substance use playing a role in these injuries. So, I would advise the general public to try to avoid using any scooters, especially after indulging in any substances because obviously there's an increased risk for an accident and therefore injury.
Bill Klaproth (host): Absolutely and are there any other tips for riding these scooters such as, I don't know, mouth guards, face guards. I'm just trying to think. Are there any other precautions someone can take before they get on that scooter for that ride?
Caitlin Magraw: Yeah, we definitely recommend protective use of a helmet if possible. And then just trying to ride safely. Sometimes we see multiple people on a scooter or driving down the middle of the road. So just trying to be very careful about how that's good or is being utilized as is incredibly important.
Bill Klaproth (host): Yeah, the two people on a scooter always looks, oh, God tenuous like, 'Oh no. don't, don't do that.' Wow. This is great. Anything else you want to add about facial injuries at all?
Caitlin Magraw: Well, I think this is you know, this area of study is still relatively young. A lot of cities are just introducing these scooter programs. And so we're going to have to look at what happens, especially in the facial injury arena to determine some of the consequences of using this mode of transportation.
Bill Klaproth (host): Absolutely. Well, Dr. Magraw, thank you so much for your time. We appreciate it.
Caitlin Magraw: Thank you for having me.
Bill Klaproth (host): Yeah, you bet. That is Dr. Caitlin Magraw and for more information, please visit MyOMS.org. And if you found this podcast to be interesting, please share it on your social media and don't forget to subscribe. Thanks for listening.
Caitlin Magraw: Thanks for having me.