Abstract

Introduction and the aim of the study: Among all the causes of maxillofacial injuries, injuries sustained during sports account for 5.6% to 33.1% of cases. Although sports related injury patterns have been extensively reported, studies dealing exclusively with craniomaxillofacial trauma are still rare. The aim of the study is to assess the incidence, aetiology and spectrum of maxillofacial injuries sustained during sports.Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 51 case histories of the patients with sports-related maxillofacial injuries treated at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery of the Medical University of Lublin between January 2007 and
December 2009 was done. Results: Between 2007 and 2009 year 808 maxillofacial fractures were treated at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery. Of these 6.31% were sports-related. The highest incidence of sports-related maxillofacial injuries was found in the 21-30 years men group. The majority of accidents occurred during cycling, followed by football, skiing and horse riding. The injuries involved mainly mandible followed by middle third of the face. Conclusions: The results of the study indicate an increase in the total incidence of sports-related maxillofacial injuries
in the recent years. These are mainly multiple injuries, which require hospitalisation and surgical intervention. It should be put a stress on the importance of preventive measures like mouth guards and helmets with face protectors to reduce risk
of maxillofacial injuries sustained during sports. Verf.-Referat