Early return to sport post maxillofacial fracture injury in the professional athlete: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: To summarize the current literature on return to sport times post-maxillofacial fracture injury in the professional athlete.

Materials and methods: A literature search on six databases for articles relating to maxillofacial fractures, professional athletes, and return to sport times. Study design, clinical data, and author recommendations were analysed.

Results: 17 studies were retrieved. One prospective study returned 17 athletes to competitive rugby union and soccer at 3 weeks post injury without complication. Two large retrospective studies (n = 278) returned patients to sport at approximately 7 weeks without complication. 64% (n = 7) of patients from case based studies returned to sport at 3-14 days, 4 of which utilized protective facemasks. Athletes generally returned to competition earlier for lower grade (3-10 days) compared to higher grade contact sport (21 days at least). 2 articles recommended a 3 months recovery period for combat sports. 8 articles supported the utility of protective facemasks.

Conclusion: Early return to sport (<6 weeks) in the professional athlete post maxillofacial fracture injury is achievable. The optimal clinical approach may be to grade the sport according to its impact forces, discuss an early return with reference to the available literature, the potential utility of facemasks, risks of refracture and its operative implications.

Keywords: Athlete; Convalescence; Facial fracture; Maxillofacial; Return to sport.