Patterns of referral for fractured nose during major sporting events

Fractured nose is a common acute ENT diagnosis, most often sustained in adults as a result of violent trauma. Patients will commonly present within 24 h of injury, and attend the out-patient clinic 7 days later for assessment. An unusual pattern of referrals began to emerge during 2006.

Referral patterns covering the period 2003-2006 were analysed for two London ENT centres.

The data show a statistically-unusual peak of referral for fractured nose intensity coinciding with the FIFA World Cup 2006.

If a causal link is to be suggested between the sociological aspects of major international sporting contests and violent injury, it will be interesting to repeat the analysis in subsequent years, to gain an insight into whether 2006 was an isolated example, or part of a wider trend.