Facial fractures aren’t always top of mind when participating in certain sports and hobbies, even though they can come with an elevated risk of facial injury.
In this second article of our three-part series on facial fractures, we’re discussing the possible causes of a facial fracture and preventative measures you can take to safeguard yourself.
High-Risk Activities That Can Lead to Facial Fracture
There are countless ways a facial fracture can occur, all of them requiring some sort of high-impact injury to the face. Due to the nature of some people’s work or hobbies, they are more prone to experiencing a facial injury than others. High-risk activities include:
Contact Sports
Anyone who participates in a contact sport like football, basketball, soccer, boxing, and MMA has an increased chance of receiving an injury to the face, including a fracture.
High-Speed Driving
It’s possible for high-speed drivers to lose control of their vehicle, potentially resulting in a crash that causes a facial fracture. Racecar driving, go carting, and competitive cycling all fall into this category.
Stunts and Acrobatic/Gymnastic Performance
When people maneuver their bodies in the air at high speeds, there is always the chance a move can go wrong. Stuntmen and -women, martial artists, gymnasts, and acrobats can miscalculate during execution, fracturing their face in the process.
The Risk of Facial Injury in Your Everyday Life
Although high-risk activities are more susceptible to injury, they aren’t the only ways to develop a facial fracture. Mishaps can happen anywhere, at random, and in the most mundane situations.
There are cases where people have tripped and fallen face-first into a wall, passed out only to land on their chin, or have gotten hit in the face by a random flying object while out and about. No matter how you received the injury, it’s crucial to treat a facial fracture as soon as possible.
How to Prevent a Facial Fracture
There’s no guarantee that you’ll stay fracture-free for life, but there are ways to minimize the likelihood of facial injury if you ever find yourself in an accident.
Wear a helmet when playing sports
If you participate in certain contact sports like football or in high-speed activities like racing, be sure to wear a helmet with facial coverage. Helmets can’t guarantee complete protection, but the risk of a facial fracture will reduce immensely should anything go wrong.
Wear your seatbelt while in the car
Whether you’re the driver or a passenger, you should always wear your seatbelt. Wearing a seatbelt during an accident helps minimize any physical damage, including facial fractures.
Follow your employer’s safety guidelines
Some jobs involve a bit more danger than others. If you’re in a position that requires you to wear personal safety equipment or follow certain protocols, do so. Those rules are in place for your protection and could prevent serious facial injury if something goes wrong.
Be aware of yourself and your surroundings
If you’re feeling out of sorts or a little off balance, find the nearest place to sit. Remaining standing or continuing to walk could lead to a harmful fall. If you’re feeling fine physically, still be aware of what is around you. Doing so can prevent you from fracturing your face by unnecessary slips or trips.
If you have been injured and have suffered a facial fracture, call Dr. Tomlinson right away: 706-549-5033
Stay tuned for the conclusion of our Facial Fracture series! Our third and final part next month will cover diagnosis and treatment.
- Part 1: Types and Symptoms of Facial Fractures
- Part 2: Causes and Prevention of Facial Fractures
- Part 3: Diagnosis and Treatment of Facial Fractures