Epidemiology of Craniofacial Injuries from Exercise and Weightlifting: A 10-Year Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Exercise is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. It is recognized for enhancing cardiovascular health and bolstering mental well-being. While the fitness industry grows, the incidence of exercise-related injuries continues to rise. This study examines craniofacial injuries resulting from exercise and weightlifting over the past decade. The goal is to uncover trends, demographics, diagnoses, and patient dispositions. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A retrospective review was conducted using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database. Emergency department visits for craniofacial injuries associated with exercise and weightlifting between 2013 and 2022 were analyzed. One-sample t-tests and the Mann-Kendall test were used to evaluate injury prevalence and significant trends. RESULTS: Over the past decade, 582,972 craniofacial injuries related to exercise and weightlifting were documented. Men accounted for 55.7% of cases. Annual incidence increased by 32.7% between 2013 and 2022. It was statistically significant. Adolescents aged 15 to 19 displayed the highest injury rate. Head injuries were most common (45%), followed by face (26%), neck (21%), mouth (4%), eye (3%), and ear (1%). Diagnoses included internal injury (25.2%), laceration (24.8%), contusions/abrasions (12.9%), and strain/sprain (11.9%). Hospitalization was required for only 8.5% of patients. DISCUSSION: This study elucidates the need for injury prevention strategies. Vulnerable subgroups such as males, adolescents, and the elderly demand targeted prevention efforts. Future research should explore specific mechanisms of injury to identify high-risk exercise. This study promotes the need for safe exercise practices and increases awareness of craniofacial injury risks associated with physical activity.

Yard Work and Gardening: A Pastime with Potential for Craniofacial Injury.

INTRODUCTION: Yard and garden tools are increasingly used by Americans. Despite the growing popularity of gardening as a leisure activity, the rate of injury associated with these tools remains remarkedly high. Previous research has highlighted the risks associated with improper handling of tools and associated potential long-term consequences. This retrospective study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the craniofacial injuries caused by yard and garden equipment. The investigation will emphasize the need for improved safety measures and regulations. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Publicly available data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database were utilized to identify craniofacial injuries related to yard and garden tool handling during a 10-year period (2013-2022). Study population included patients aged 1 to 85+ years who visited emergency departments secondary to these injuries. Data analysis involved queries for specific products and diagnostic codes related to craniofacial injuries. RESULTS: Over the study period, a total of 588,384 craniofacial injuries associated with yard and garden tools were recorded, averaging 58,838 injuries annually. Men accounted for a significantly higher proportion of injuries (69.2%) compared to women (30.8%). Elderly population, particularly those aged 60 to 64 years, experienced the highest incidence of craniofacial injuries. Cranium was the most commonly affected anatomical location, comprising 34% of all injuries. Lacerations and contusions were the most frequent injury diagnoses. Greenhouse or gardening supplies and lawnmowers are the most common causative agents, respectively. DISCUSSION: Our study highlights the persistent incidence of craniofacial injuries associated with yard and garden tool handling emphasizing the need for standardized safety regulations and guidelines. Sociological and demographic factors, such as differences in gardening habits and behavioral patterns between genders, contribute to the observed disparities in injury rates. Understanding the underlying factors contributing to these craniofacial injuries is crucial to promoting safer practices and reducing the overall burden associated with yard and garden tools.

Jumping Trends In Trampoline-Related Craniofacial Injuries.

INTRODUCTION: In 1990, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended the sale of trampolines cease in the United States. The risk of traumatic injury is well-documented, yet trampolines remain a growing source of recreation. Trampoline parks, in particular, are becoming a common entertainment attraction that can result in serious injury. There is currently a paucity of literature characterizing craniofacial injuries from trampoline use and plans to prevent these injuries. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A retrospective review of the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System was conducted to analyze emergency department visits for trampoline-related craniofacial injuries in 1 to 20 year olds between 2013 and 2022. RESULTS: An estimated 206,866 trampoline-related craniofacial injuries occurred. Males suffered injuries 1.67 times more frequently than females. Injured sites included the head (41.0%), face (23.2%), neck (20.4%), mouth (11.9%), eyeball (2.0%), and ear (1.4%). The most common diagnoses were lacerations (28.9%), internal injuries (23.2%), strain/sprains (14.8%), contusions/abrasions (13.0%), and concussions (8.7%). Head internal injuries and facial lacerations significantly increased over the observed time period. DISCUSSION: Trampolines are a rising source of craniofacial trauma for America's youth. Children between 3 and 11 years old were disproportionately affected. Regulation over trampoline safety features remains limited in the United States. Future studies should aim to characterize the mechanisms of these injuries for the development of targeted safety measures.