Facial injuries in the National Basketball Association: 2013-14 through 2017-18

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Epidemiology
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Facial injuries represent a significant concern in professional basketball.
• Understanding the patterns and outcomes of these injuries is crucial for player health and performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the epidemiology, mechanisms, treatment, and disability associated with facial injuries in National Basketball Association (NBA) athletes.
• To analyze injury incidence, types, and impact on game participation.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective epidemiological chart review was conducted using the NBA's Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.
• Data included injuries reported during games, practices, and other team activities.
• Incidence rates were calculated per 1000 athlete-exposures (player-games).

Main Results:

• Over five NBA seasons, 440 facial injuries occurred in 263 athletes, with a single-season risk of 12.6%.
• Lacerations (36.1%), contusions (22.5%), and fractures (15.2%) were most common, with ocular injuries (37.0%) being the most frequent site.
• Sixty injuries (13.6%) led to missed games, with ocular injuries causing the most missed player-games (74.6%). Nasal fractures were common but less likely to result in missed games than ocular fractures.

Conclusions:

• Approximately one in eight NBA players experiences a facial injury per season, with ocular injuries being the most prevalent.
• While many facial injuries are minor, severe injuries, particularly ocular fractures, can significantly impact a player's availability.
• This highlights the importance of protective measures and timely management of facial trauma in basketball.