title: Return-to-play guidelines following facial fractures.
abstract: Despite bone healing and the management options of facial fractures being reported at length, there is a lack of evidence-based return-to-play criteria for sportspeople who have sustained these fractures. This shortage of evidence has resulted in a lack of consensus among health professionals. A prospective study of 20 cases of sportsmen who have returned to competitive play 3 weeks after injury or treatment for facial fractures is reported. The risks and benefits of early return-to-play are discussed and return-to-play guidelines for these patients are proposed.
authors: Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, University Hospital, Coventry, UK. cjfowell@doctors.org.uk
authors: Christopher John
authors: CJ
authors: Fowell
authors: Philip
authors: P
authors: Earl
mesh_terms: D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005538:Football / Q000293:injuries*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012916:Soccer / Q000293:injuries*
keywords: Exercise Rehabilitation; Head Injuries; Teeth Facial Bones