Study on Facial Trauma Related to Recreational Activities in Older Adults

Introduction

Facial trauma associated with recreational activities among the elderly has not been extensively researched. A team of researchers, led by Andrea Plawecki, aimed to examine the profile of facial fractures resulting from such activities in older adults.

Importance of Recreational Activities

Engaging in exercise and recreational activities is commonly recommended for the elderly to mitigate various health conditions. Despite this, the risks of facial trauma and other related injuries in this demographic have not been thoroughly investigated.

Research Overview

In a study published in JAMA Plastic Surgery, Plawecki and her team analyzed the incidence of facial fractures due to recreational activities in older adults. The research included data from 20,519 emergency department visits collected through the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, spanning from January 1, 2011, to December 1, 2015. The focus was on adults aged 55 and older who suffered facial fractures linked to recreational activities.

Methodology

The study assessed various characteristics of the injuries, including demographics, fracture locations, and specific activities that led to the injuries.

Key Findings

The results indicated a significant increase in the annual incidence of facial fractures among older adults, rising by 45.3% from 2011 to 2015. Bicycling was identified as the leading cause of facial fractures, accounting for 26.6% of cases, followed by team sports (15.4%), outdoor activities (10.1%), gardening (9.5%), and walking/jogging (5.5%).

Furthermore, the data revealed that men were more likely to sustain fractures from bicycling, while women were more prone to fractures from gardening activities. The nasal area was the most common location for facial fractures, although the incidence of orbital fractures appeared to increase with age.

Conclusion

This study provides essential insights into the characteristics of recreational activity-related facial fractures in the older population. The findings may assist healthcare professionals in advising older adults on safe recreational practices and in developing strategies to prevent facial fractures and associated morbidities.

Reference

Plawecki, A., et al. (2017). Recreational activity and facial trauma among older adults. JAMA Facial Plast Surg. doi: 10.1001/jamafacial.2017.0332