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Rugby-related adult maxillofacial trauma injuries: a NEISS database study
David Lafferty1, Tyler Pion2, Jason E Cohn3
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, 4190 City Line Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19131, USA. dl157414@pcom.edu.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
|January 8, 2021
Summary
Rugby players frequently sustain facial injuries, particularly to the nose and eye area. Most rugby-related facial trauma cases are treated and released from the emergency department.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Trauma Surgery
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Maxillofacial trauma is a significant concern in contact sports.
- Rugby players are at high risk for head and facial injuries.
- Understanding injury patterns is crucial for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze maxillofacial trauma data in rugby players using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database.
- To determine the prevalence of facial injuries in rugby by age, injury mechanism, and severity.
- To inform future strategies for reducing facial trauma in rugby.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the NEISS database to identify adult rugby players with head and facial injuries from 2009-2018.
- Performed descriptive statistical analysis of injury data.
- Employed Chi-squared and ANOVA tests to compare categorical and continuous variables, respectively.
Main Results:
- Identified 507 patients (estimated 18,952 nationally) with rugby-related facial injuries.
- Facial region injuries (eyelid, eye, nose) accounted for 59.4% of cases.
- Nasal bone fractures were the most common facial fracture (58.6%).
- 98.4% of patients were treated and released from the emergency department.
Conclusions:
- Expect eyelid, eye area, or nose injuries in rugby-related cases.
- Nasal bone fractures are the most probable facial fracture pattern.
- The majority of patients with these injuries receive outpatient treatment.
