Facial traumas in athletes increase demand for maxillofacial surgeries

Maxillofacial surgeon Gabriela Mayrink explains how fractures in the face, common in contact sports, can compromise essential functions of the face and require specialized surgical intervention

The practice of sports, especially contact sports, offers numerous health benefits, but also carries risks — among them, facial traumas. According to an article published by the Brazilian Journal of Health Review in 2023, in addition to traffic accidents, falls, and domestic violence, sports activities are also among the leading causes of maxillofacial injuries worldwide, causing approximately 5% of all jaw fractures and 9% of fractures in the upper two-thirds of the face. Sports-related accidents are also responsible for approximately 10% of all middle third facial injuries. The study highlights that soccer is the main sport causing facial fractures. A recent case is that of striker Agustín Canobbio from Fluminense, who after a collision with goalkeeper Torgnascioli from Unión Española, was diagnosed with a fracture in the zygomatic bone — the structure that forms the cheekbone — on the left side of his face. The athlete will need to undergo maxillofacial surgery in the coming days. According to maxillofacial surgeon Gabriela Mayrink, the facial bones are designed to provide protection and contour to the face, as well as to assist in the respiratory, phonetic, and digestive systems. What is increasingly seen today, however, is more professional and amateur athletes needing surgical intervention after suffering fractures in these bones during competitions or training. "We have already seen cases of soccer players, fighters, cyclists, extreme sports practitioners, and even court athletes who suffered significant trauma in the facial region and needed surgery to correct fractures in the nose, jaw, maxilla, or zygomatic bone (cheekbone). It is worth mentioning that these injuries affect not only the physical health of the athletes but also their emotional health, impacting their routine and even creating a withdrawal from training and a reduction in their performance," explains Gabriela. According to the maxillofacial surgeon, facial fractures can compromise essential functions such as chewing, breathing, and vision, in addition to causing aesthetic asymmetries and intense pain. In many cases, maxillofacial surgery is necessary to reposition the bones, restore anatomy, and ensure full functional recovery. Gabriela Mayrink also warns about the importance of early diagnosis and specialized follow-up. "The evaluation by a maxillofacial surgeon after a trauma is essential to avoid permanent sequelae. Even if the impact seems minor, it may have caused microfractures that are only detected through imaging tests, such as a CT scan," she says. According to her, recovery generally involves rest, medical follow-up, and, in some cases, physical therapy. "The most important thing is to ensure that the patient, especially when it comes to an athlete, resumes their activities safely and with quality of life," she concludes.