On the Ice and Off Balance: Craniofacial Injuries and Preventive Strategies at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter
Luca Fiorillo1,2, Vincenzo Ronsivalle3, Marco Cicciù3
1Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna "Kore," Enna, Italy.
Abstract:
The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games highlighted the persistent risk of craniofacial injuries across multiple high-velocity winter sports. This editorial reviews the most clinically relevant injury events, including a severe periorbital skate-blade trauma resulting in zygomatic fracture during short-track speed skating, as well as concussive and cervical injury patterns observed in sliding and alpine disciplines. Despite advances in protective equipment, significant vulnerabilities remain, particularly in facial protection and impact mitigation. Current standards in several sports appear insufficient to address predictable mechanisms of craniofacial trauma. The evidence discussed underscores the need for improved, sport-specific protective strategies and stronger implementation of evidence-based safety regulations. Enhanced preventive measures may reduce the burden of craniofacial injuries in future Olympic competitions.
Related Concept Videos
Overview of the Skull
The cranial vault surrounds and protects the brain and houses the middle and inner ear structures. This cavity is bounded superiorly by the rounded top of the skull, which...
Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...
Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
Cranial and Spinal Meninges
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction


