Soccer-Related Mandibular Fractures in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the pattern of soccer-related mandibular fractures in Nigeria.

Methods: This was a 12-month retrospective study of soccer-related mandibular fractures conducted at two Nigerian tertiary hospitals. Age, sex, time from injury to presentation, anatomic site, side of fracture, and treatment methods were retrieved from patients' records and analyzed.

Results: Of the 217 patients with mandibular fractures, nine (4.2%) had soccer-related mandibular fractures. All affected patients were male amateur players aged 17-29 years, with a mean (SD) age of 21.3 (4.1) years. The mean (SD) time from injury to presentation for care was 22.2 (13.0) hours, with a range of 2-48 hours as range. Eight (88.9%) patients had unilateral mandibular fracture while one (11.1%) patient had bilateral mandibular fracture. The commonest fractured site was body of the mandible. Open reduction and internal fixation using 2.0 miniplates and screws was done for one (11.1%) patient while eight (88.9%) remaining patients were treated with closed reduction and maxillomandibular fixation.

Conclusion: Young male adults are commonly affected by soccer-related mandibular fractures with mandibular body being the most vulnerable site.