Hockey-related facial injuries: a population-based analysis

Recognition of the potentially severe sequelae arising from inadequate facial protection has facilitated sustained efforts to increase the use of protective visors in recent decades. Our objective was to characterize nationwide trends among patients presenting to emergency departments (ED) for facial injuries sustained while playing ice hockey.

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System was searched for hockey-related facial injuries, with analysis for incidence; age and gender; and specific injury diagnoses, mechanisms, and facial locations.

There were an estimated 93,444 ED visits for hockey-related facial injuries from 2003 to 2012. The number of annual ED visits declined by 43.8% from 2003 to 2012. A total of 90.6% of patients were male; and the peak age of injury was 17 years. Lacerations were the most common form of facial injury (81.5% of patients) across all age groups. Contusions/abrasions and fractures followed in frequency, with fractures increasing with advancing age.

The overall incidence of ED visits due to facial injuries from ice hockey has significantly decreased over the last decade, concurrent with increased societal use of facial protective equipment. Nonetheless, facial hockey injuries facilitate a significant number of ED visits among both adults and children; thus, the knowledge of demographic-specific trends described in this analysis is relevant for physicians involved in the management of facial trauma. These findings reinforce the need to educate individuals who play hockey about the importance of appropriate facial protection.