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

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.