Sport-related maxillofacial fractures in South Australia

Background Organised and non-organised sports have shifted greatly over the past decade with variations in epidemiological trends for maxillofacial trauma. Our aim is to describe epidemiological trends of sport-related facial fractures in adults outlining the differences amongst gender, age groups, types of sports, and how this impacts clinical outcomes and management. Methods A retrospective review was conducted from January 2012 to January 2017 at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide. All sport-related facial fractures, aged 18 years and above, that attended or were referred to the unit were included in this study. Results Three hundred five sport participants presented with a facial fracture with a strong male predominance (7.5:1). Australian football league (AFL) was the most common sport (39.0%) to result in a facial fracture followed by cycling (13.1%). Younger men aged 18–45 years played AFL, whereas females aged 18–55 years engaged in cycling. Orbitozygomatic fractures were the most common facial fractures (33.1%). Associated injuries occurred in 6.9% of the cohort. There were significant differences between men and women for age, age groups, seasons, and type of sport (p < 0.05). Young men were approximately three times more likely to have a sport-related facial fracture than women. AFL players were 8.3 times more likely to have a facial fracture than female AFL players. Male cyclists were 19.7% less likely to have a facial fracture than female cyclists. Sport participants aged 45–55 years were 5.2 times more likely to have an associated injury than 18–25 year olds. Associated injuries, surgery, mandibular fractures, and orbital fractures were independently associated with increased length of stay (p < 0.001). Conclusions Young men who play AFL have higher odds of mandibular fractures compared to females, whereas older women are more likely to engage in cycling with higher odds of facial fractures and associated injuries. An understanding of the epidemiological trends can guide surgeons and sporting associations in prevention and management for sport-related injuries. Level of evidence: Level IV, risk/prognostic study