AB123. SOH24AB_141. Pattern of facial bone fractures secondary to high velocity sports related injuries

Background: A pattern of high velocity facial fractures has been noted associated with contact sports, which require an inpatient hospital stay, complex surgical treatment and significant post-operative recovery and absence from work and educational activities. The purpose of this study is to discuss whether these injuries could be prevented or severity modified.

Methods: This is a retrospective review of patients with significant facial bone fractures following high velocity sports injuries from rugby, Gaelic football and soccer. Data were collected as follows: patient age and gender, mechanism of injury, sport involved, facial fracture diagnosis and surgical treatment, hospital stay and time to return to normal activities.

Results: The study population included 14 patients with results as follows: gender, male n=13, female n=1; mean age 25 years, range 14–45 years; Gaelic football n=8 (mandible n=4, zygomatic n=4), rugby n=5 (mandible n=1, zygomatic n=1, frontal bone n=3), soccer n=1 [zygomatic complex (ZMC) n=1]. Mechanism of injury in the majority was a clash of heads n=7. A smaller number of patients sustained shoulder, elbow, knee or foot to face. The mean length of hospital stay was 2.9 days. All patients had a satisfactory outcome following surgery.

Conclusions: High velocity sports related injuries result in complex fracture patterns with comminution and displacement resulting in prolonged operative time and recovery. Sporting organisations may require review of safety measures to mitigate these facial injuries, in particular amateur sport with younger players presenting with complex fractures, prolonged hospital stay and delayed return to work and education.

Keywords: Fractures; maxillofacial; sports; surgery; trauma