Wet and wounded: Pediatric facial trauma from swimming and diving

Swimming has been reported as the most common recreational activity among American youths, while diving remains a popular youth activity as well. We characterize the most common facial injuries occurring during these activities and evaluate facial fracture mechanisms and demographic trends, as this information may be helpful in preventative counseling as well as diagnosis.

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System was assessed for swimming- and diving-related facial injuries in children from 2007 to 2016. Estimates of national injury incidence were recorded, and patient diagnoses, demographics, and injury mechanisms were evaluated.

In the 10-year period assessed, 789 NEISS entries extrapolated to an estimated 27,709 patients nationwide were analyzed. The yearly incidence fluctuated but steadily rose from 2013 to 2016. Males comprised a majority of injuries (58%), and laceration was the most common diagnosis (65%), followed by abrasion/contusion (22%) and fracture (9%). Facial fractures were most likely to involve the nasal bones (87%). Swimming injuries were more numerous overall (74%), but a greater proportion of diving injuries resulted in fracture (12% vs. 7%). Teenagers were also more likely to suffer fractures than were younger children involved in the same activities.

Most analyses of swimming and diving injuries have focused on spinal and orthopedic trauma. Nevertheless, the nature of headfirst diving and swim strokes suggest facial trauma is an underappreciated concern for clinicians. These findings reinforce the need for safer swimming and diving practices and serve as a useful resource for physicians managing pediatric facial injuries.