Volleyball-related Adult Maxillofacial Trauma Injuries: A NEISS Database Study

Abstract

Objectives: To describe volleyball-associated craniofacial injuries presenting to emergency departments (EDs) in the United States by patient demographics, injury type, anatomical location, and disposition. Design: An analysis of volleyball-related trauma was conducted using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). Chi-squared testing (X2) was performed to compare categorical variables. Setting: The NEISS database collects information from approximately 100 EDs under the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and provides data extrapolated to a nationally representative sample. Participants: The database was queried from years 2009-2018. Main outcome measures: Volleyball-related craniofacial injuries categorized by demographics (age, sex, and race), medical injury information (injury type and location), and patient disposition (observed and discharged, admitted, deceased). Results: A total of 235 volleyball-related facial traumas were recorded with an estimated 10,424 visits occurring nationally. The majority of injuries were among young adults aged 20-29 (52.3%) and was evenly distributed for men and women. Lacerations were the most frequent injury type (37.9%), while the face was the most common site of injury (41.7%). The majority of fractures involved the nose (71.4%) and amongst individuals aged 20 through 49 (90.5%). Males had significantly more lacerations than females (75.3% vs. 24.7%), whereas females had significantly more contusions/abrasions (64.5% vs. 35.5%) and concussions (72.9% vs. 27.1%). Conclusions: Volleyball-related craniofacial injuries can vary depending on patient demographics. This information can help with the development of safety and preventative measures for individuals participating in the sport. KEY POINTS Comparable studies on volleyball-related facial injuries are lacking despite 500 million people participating in the sport globally. The majority of volleyball-related facial injuries are incurred by young adults aged 20-29 years. Lacerations are the most common facial injury sustained while playing volleyball. Nasal bone fractures are the most common fracture type. New knowledge of volleyball-related craniofacial injuries can influence the development of safety measures (i.e. protective equipment).