Epidemiological, Clinical, and Forensic Aspects of Chainsaw, Circular Saw, and Grinding Saw Injuries in the Maxillofacial Region

Abstract

The aim of this article was the epidemiological, clinical, and forensic evaluation of the chainsaw, circular saw, and grinding saw maxillofacial injuries. A retrospective analysis of the medical records at the Clinic of Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, University of Belgrade, was performed. A total of 133 patients were treated during a period of 19 years (1989-2008). Grinding saw injuries were more frequent (62%) in comparison to chainsaw and circular saw injuries that were present in 23% and 15% of patients, respectively. All injured individuals were men, and most of them were aged 31 to 40 years. Accident by self injuring was the only mechanism of all the analyzed injuries. There were no suicide or homicide attempts. Isolated injuries of the facial soft tissues, which were mainly lacerations, were present in most patients. Less frequently, soft tissues injuries were compounded with bone fractures of the face and teeth injuries. Surgical debridement, revision, and suturing were performed in all patients where only soft tissues were injured. Patients with compound injuries of the soft tissues, facial bones, and teeth were treated according to the common surgical protocol for the type of the injuries. Most often, these injuries were accidental without fatalities. The number of these injuries increased in the recent years owing to the "do-it-yourselfers" for home hobbies. To avoid these types of injuries, users should be carefully instructed, and attention should be paid to the use of accurately guarded saws and appropriate safety equipment.