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Facial Plast Surg 2024; 40(01): 120-126
DOI: 10.1055/a-1996-7595
Original Research

A Thirteen-Year Analysis of Facial Fractures among Professional Soccer Players

Konrad M. Kozlowski
1   Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic, University of California, Irvine, California
,
Peter A. Rosston
2   Stanford ChEM-H - Medicinal Chemistry, Stanford, California
,
Asher C. Park 
1   Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic, University of California, Irvine, California
,
Amir A. Hakimi
3   Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
,
Leandro Socolovsky
3   Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
,
Brian J-F Wong
1   Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic, University of California, Irvine, California
4   Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
5   Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, University of California – Irvine, Orange, California
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Abstract

This study aims to identify the epidemiology and effects of facial fractures on return to play (RTP) in Major League Soccer (MLS) and the English Premier League (EPL). A total of 39 MLS players and 40 EPL players who sustained facial fractures from 2007 to 2019 were identified. Data on player demographics, the injury, and the impact of their injury on RTP were collected. Elbow-to-head was the most common mechanism of injury (20.3%). The most common fracture involved the nasal bone (48.3%). Most players (90%) RTP the same season. Players who sustained nasal fractures missed significantly fewer games (p < 0.001) than those who suffered other craniofacial fractures. Players treated surgically missed significantly more games (3.21 vs. 0.71, p = 0.006) and days (30.1 vs. 8.70, p = 0.002) than those managed nonoperatively. Significantly more EPL players who sustained facial fractures wore headgear upon RTP compared to MLS players (82% vs. 56%, p <0 .01). Most professional soccer players who sustain a facial fracture RTP the same season, but their recovery time can vary depending on the type of fracture, injury management, or injury severity. Our findings can help inform future craniofacial injury management as well as guidelines on player safety and fracture prevention.

Keywords

facial fracture - soccer - sport injury - fracture management - return to play

Note

This study was presented as a poster at the Triological Society 2021 Annual Meeting at COSM Virtual Meeting, April 9–10th, 2021.


Authors' Contributions

K.K., P.R., and A.H. acquired and analyzed data, drafted the manuscript, and granted final approval for the manuscript to be submitted for publication. A.P. and L.S. contributed to the interpretation of the data, drafting of the manuscript, and granted final approval for the manuscript submission.




Publication History

Accepted Manuscript online:
12 December 2022

Article published online:
24 January 2023

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