Purpose: To investigate the prevalence, anatomic sites, and management of sports-related maxillofacial fractures in New Zealand.
Patients and methods: A retrospective analysis of 561 patients presenting with sports-related maxillofacial fractures between 1996 and 2006 was conducted. Variables analyzed included sociodemographic data, cause of injury, site of fracture, and method of treatment.
Results: The mean patient age was 26.2 years, with a male:female ratio of 9:1. Sports-related facial fractures accounted for 21.7% of all fractures, with most of these secondary to rugby (52.0%), cycling (15.3%), cricket (7.1%), and soccer (4.8%). Mandibular fractures were the most frequent presentation (41.4), followed by zygomatic (29.4%) and orbital floor fractures (16.9%). Almost 50% of the patients from each sport required active treatment, with the majority requiring open reduction and internal fixation of the fracture (60.3%). The prevalence of sports-related facial fractures increased between the first 6 years (17.6%) and the next 5 years (25.8%) of the 11-year study period. The March-to-August period had a considerably higher number of fractures compared with the rest of the year.
Conclusions: Nearly 20% of all maxillofacial fractures were sports-related, with most occurring in males. The prevalence of sports-related facial fractures increased over the study period. Most of the fractures involved the mandible and zygoma. Active intervention was required for almost 50% of the injuries.