Sports-Related Maxillofacial Injuries. Issue 7 (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Murphy, Colm; O'Connell, John Edward; Kearns, Gerard; Stassen, Leo
• Is Part Of: Journal of craniofacial surgery. Volume 26:Issue 7(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: Facial fractures -- maxillofacial trauma -- mechanism of injury -- return to sport -- sports injuries; Facial bones -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Skull -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Face -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; 617.52
• DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000002109
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-2275

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Sports-related maxillofacial injuries contribute a significant proportion of the workload in a maxillofacial unit. The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of maxillofacial sports-related injuries, treatments required, and assess the impact of the injury on future sport participation. Method: A retrospective review was carried out on all maxillofacial trauma referrals from September 1, 2009 to August 31, 2010. Patient records were reviewed and the following variables were recorded: age, sex, sport involved, injury sustained, mechanism of injury, treatment, subsequent participation, and interval before return to sport. Results: The study population included 162 patients with sports-related facial injuries. The most common sporting injuries were as follows: Gaelic football 35.3% (N = 57), soccer 22.3% (N = 36), rugby 12.4% (N = 20), and equine sports 12.4% (N = 20). The most common injury sustained was zygomatic complex fracture 36.4% (N = 59). Mandibular fracture occurred in 20% (N = 33), orbit fracture in 14.2% (N = 23), and nasal bone fracture in 12.3% (N = 20). The most common mechanism of injury was from a clash of heads (23.4%) followed by an elbow to the face (17.2%). The majority of patients (84%) resumed participation in their chosen sport at mean interval of 7.3 weeks (range 1–18 weeks). Conclusions: This study identified a significant number of sporting facial injuries, which presented over 1 year. In total, 113 patients underwent a surgical procedure for the management of their injuries. This study highlights the need to educate all players regarding use of personal protective equipment and adherence to the rules of sports.