Maxillofacial fractures sustained during sports.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the number and type of maxillofacial fractures caused by various athletic activities.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

The ninety-eight patients were treated between 1977 and 1993, and the type of sport involved, patient age and sex, cause of accident, site of injury, and mode of treatment were evaluated.

RESULTS

Sports-related maxillofacial fractures accounted for 10.4% of all patients with facial bone fractures. The number of different sports was 19, with the incidence of the fractures being most common in rugby and skiing, followed by baseball and soccer. The ratio of males to females was 5.5:1, and most of the patients were between 10 and 29 years of age. Total restriction from sports activity was between 8 and 12 weeks after initial treatment.

CONCLUSION

The treatment for sports-related maxillofacial fractures is not different from that for fractures from other causes. However, it is important to establish some standard for deciding the time when it is possible to participate in sports after a fracture.