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Facial Trauma in Collegiate and Professional Basketball: A Systematic Review.
Jacob G Mabey1, Mitchel Wride2, Neeraj Senthil2
1Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine.
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|May 12, 2026
Summary
Basketball facial trauma (FT) is common in professional and collegiate players, with increasing rates and significant consequences like missed games and shorter careers. Protective equipment use is low despite its effectiveness in preventing facial injuries.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Public Health
Background:
- Basketball's global popularity is rising, yet basketball-related facial trauma (FT) patterns and effects remain understudied.
- Facial trauma represents a significant, yet poorly understood, injury risk in basketball.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of facial trauma in collegiate and professional basketball.
- To inform the development of effective prevention strategies for basketball-related facial injuries.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted.
- Searches included Ovid Medline, Embase, and reference lists for studies on facial trauma in basketball players.
Main Results:
- Facial trauma constitutes 3.9% of NBA injuries, with a 12.6% seasonal risk per athlete.
- Increasing trends in facial trauma rates are observed at both professional and collegiate levels.
- Operative treatment was required for 32.1% of NBA players with facial trauma; injuries led to 255 missed games and shorter careers, though performance was unaffected.
Conclusions:
- Facial trauma and its complications are prevalent in collegiate and professional basketball.
- Protective gear like facemasks and mouthguards can mitigate FT risk, but player adoption is limited by discomfort and league culture.
