Increase in Facial Fractures from Recreational Activities in Older Patients

Atypical mechanisms account for many of the fractures, especially in patients older than 75 years.

As baby boomers have aged and public health organizations have focused efforts on increasing exercise in people aged 55 years and older, the number of head injuries and hip fractures in this age group has increased. These authors assessed effects of these changes on the incidence of facial fractures.

Using a large national injury surveillance database, the authors reviewed records for emergency department (ED) visits from 2011 to 2015 for injuries during recreational activities. Over the study period, roughly 21,000 patients aged 55 and older presented to EDs with facial fractures.

Most fractures occurred in men and in patients aged 55 to 75 years. The most common mechanism of injury was bicycle crashes, followed by team sports. Surprisingly,…

Reviewing Author

Richard L. Byyny, MD, MSc, FACEP

Disclosures

EquityZimmer; Aetna

Editorial BoardsAmerican College of Emergency Physicians Clinical Policies Committee

Richard L. Byyny, MD, MSc, FACEP

Disclosures

EquityZimmer; Aetna

Editorial BoardsAmerican College of Emergency Physicians Clinical Policies Committee

Increase in Facial Fractures from Recreational Activities in Older Patients

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Reviewing Author