Head and neck trauma in sporting activities. Review of 208 cases

Head and neck injuries due to sports and games represent 22.7% of all injuries admitted to the E.N.T. Department of the University of Perugia between 1980 and 1988. Epidemiological and causative factors of these injuries are examined by the authors, together with their treatment: the majority of accidents occurred during soccer games as a consequence of collisions between players. In these cases the most frequently recorded lesion was a nasal fracture. Other sporting activities were responsible for more serious injuries to the maxillo-facial bony, cartilaginous and soft tissue structures. Good results were achieved both on the anatomical and functional planes, except for a few cases of facial disruption and multiple mandibular fractures. The authors stress the importance of preventive measures, consisting of periodical medical check-ups, an adequate level of umpiring and the wearing of protective equipment, such as helmets and masks.