The Journal of craniofacial surgery
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By analyzing sports-related maxillofacial fractures, we sought to describe preventive measures and recovery times until sporting activities could be resumed. Between January 2001 and December 2006, 1241 patients were hospitalized as a result of maxillofacial fractures. The patients with sports-related maxillofacial fractures were analyzed based on age, sex, type of sport, injury mechanism, trauma site, presence of associated fractures, hospitalization, treatment method, and recovery time until the resumption of sporting activities. ⋯ Although the results of this study indicate a reduction in the total incidence of sports-related maxillofacial injuries, they also show an alarming secondary increase in trauma resulting from the most popular sport in Italy-soccer. Therefore, stricter regulations are needed to discourage violent play, rather than relying on the use of protective equipment. Moreover, patients should be advised when they can resume sports activities, particularly in the case of professionals and semiprofessionals.
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To date, reports on the incidence and distribution of pediatric facial fractures have been inconsistent and have originated only from institutional studies. The need for current national data exists. We examined the Kids' Inpatient Database and the Nationwide Inpatient Sample to obtain national information on facial fracture discharges from 1997 to 2003. ⋯ The incidence of facial fractures in children is small yet significant and has remained stable during the past few decades. Certain patient populations are prone to facial fractures, and various patient and hospital factors are associated with lengthier and more expensive hospitalizations. An understanding of disparities in resource use among various patient, hospital, and geographic settings is critical for physicians and policy makers.