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.