ORIGINAL ARTICLE The incidence of sports-related faciai trauma in children

We condmled a.fun'ey of physician members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to determine the incidence and nature of facial traumas seen in their practices. We solicited information on the anatomic location of each injury, the severity ofthe trauma, and whether the injury occurred during a sports activity. According to the responses, 21 % of facial frac-tures and 29 % of nasal fractures were experienced hy patients aged 17 years and younger who were participat-ing in sports. We believe that many such injuries can he prevented with greater use of protective equipment