Sports-Related Maxillofacial Injuries

Abstract

Sports-related trauma may have a significant impact on both function and aesthetics of the maxillofacial region. Although the majority of sports-related maxilla-facial injuries are of minor nature, such as soft tissue lacerations, dentoalveolar fractures and minor facial bone fractures, sports-related facial fractures are reported to account up to 42% of all facial bone fractures. This article highlights the injury mechanism in different sports-related facial trauma. In addition, it provides an overview of the imaging strategy and classification systems of dental, mandibular and maxillofacial injuries and fractures as a framework for an effective radiological approach and clinically beneficial reports. The key imaging features that are critical for clinical management are emphasized.