Citation

Fowell CJ, Earl P. Br. J. Sports Med. 2013; 47(10): 654-656.

Affiliation

Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, University Hospital, Coventry, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/bjsports-2012-091697

PMID

23410884

Abstract

Despite bone healing and the management options of facial fractures being reported at length, there is a lack of evidence-based return-to-play criteria for sportspeople who have sustained these fractures. This shortage of evidence has resulted in a lack of consensus among health professionals. A prospective study of 20 cases of sportsmen who have returned to competitive play 3 weeks after injury or treatment for facial fractures is reported. The risks and benefits of early return-to-play are discussed and return-to-play guidelines for these patients are proposed.

Language: en