Comparison to other studies
The increasing popularity of volleyball demands a greater understanding of facial trauma incurred while playing this sport. Among NCAA athletes, facial protection is not required and thus not commonly used by participants,21,22 despite efforts to improve player safety with protective facial shields.23
The incidence of ED visits due to volleyball-related facial traumas occurred mostly in the 20-29 years of age group. This may be expected due to the high volume of college-aged individuals and college graduates participating in the sport.24 A majority of lacerations occurred on the face, supporting the practicality of protective facial shields. Preventive equipment (i.e. facial shields) are appropriate for volleyball, as well as other sports, given the frequency of lacerations observed in basketball, soccer, baseball, and hockey.3,4,20,25 Men incurred significantly more lacerations than women, however, the reason for this remains unknown. One could propose that men engage in more violent, aggressive behavior while playing sports.26
Contusions and abrasions occurred in similar proportions to the face, head, and globe. Given the high demand for hand-eye coordination in volleyball, ocular damage may increase the time for return to play, but does not often lead to long-term complications.27,28Contusions and abrasions occurred more frequently in women than men in the cohort, but men and women received overall injury to the globe at the same frequency.
Fractures most often occurred to the face, more specifically the nose. Among all sports-related facial fractures, the nose, mandible, and orbit have been documented as being the most common.29 Such fractures require immediate evaluation and management from a sideline physician. Nasal fractures may lead to gross deformity and airway obstruction.30 Although most athletes are capable of returning to play within 3 weeks, complex fractures may warrant prolonged recovery time.31 Further research into sports-related facial fractures is needed to evaluate recovery time.