[Sports activities and maxillofacial injuries. Current epidemiologic and clinical aspects relating to a series of 379 cases (1982-1998)].

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The constant improvement in the quality of individual life and growing interest in sporting activities have resulted in an increased use of sport in free time at amateur level. As a result, sports injuries have steadily increased since the late 1980s. The aim of this study was to illustrate our experience in the treatment of injuries in this particular category. METHODS: The series included patients admitted to the Division of Maxillofacial Surgery at Turin University over a 15-year period. A total of 379 maxillofacial fractures caused by sporting activities were recorded out of a total of 2925 cases. The factors examined included: the type of sport, the age and sex of the patient, the cause of the injury, the site of the lesion and the treatment. RESULTS: Sports injuries represent 12.9% of total injuries. The mean age of patients was 32.1 years and the male/female ratio was 5.6:1. A range of 36 sports were examined, but football (43.5%), cycling (23.4%) and skiing (13.9%) represented 80.9%. The injuries observed involved different areas of the face with a prevalence of the orbital/zygomatic complex (47.4%) compared to the mandibular region (42%). The most important forms of treatment and preventive therapy were examined and a comparison was made of their incidence. CONCLUSIONS: The authors conclude by emphasizing the importance of prevention in sports injuries.