Methods: Paratroopers from selected companies were interviewed using a structured questionnaire regarding oro-facial trauma during active service years. The study consisted of 311 male paratroopers, with a mean age of 21.1 years (±1.7). Mean duration of military service until the study was conducted was 25.9 months (±6.9).
Results: Oro-facial injuries during military service was found in 87 (28.0%) of the participants, with an incidence rate of 129.6 cases per 1000-fighter-years. Extra-oral lacerations (lip, chin, cheek/facial muscles) were the most common injury. Tooth injuries were reported by 48 of the participants, of whom 44 (50.6%) suffered from dental fractures and 4 (4.6%) from subluxation/luxation. Most oro-facial injuries occurred in an isolated training or operational field. Thirty seven participants (42.5%) reported post-event disturbance and 10 (11.5%) reported loss of operative activities due to the event (mean 8.6±4.0 day loss).
Conclusions: Military paratroopers are highly predisposed to oro-facial trauma. Besides the physical and mental associated damage, these injuries result in the interference of their continuous daily activity. Prevention and treatment intervention are two important actions that should be adopted to reduce trauma and its interference.