Facial trauma in the major league baseball.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to identify and describe significant facial trauma present in Major League Baseball (MLB) that resulted in players missing games or being placed in the injury reserve list.

STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study. The predictor variables were the player's age, height, weight, body mass index, position, team conference, and if played games took place in playoffs season. The outcome variables were injury location (upper, middle, and lower facial third) and type of injury (soft tissue, fracture). Chi-square and logistic regression were computed to determine associations between predictor and outcome variables.

RESULTS: A total of 109 players missed games due to facial injuries, and a total of 115 injuries were identified. Of the 115 injuries, none occurred in the upper facial third, 96 (83%) were in the middle third, and 19 (17%) in the lower third. Most fractures occurred in fielders (45%), and most soft tissue injuries in basemen (40%).

CONCLUSIONS: Significant facial trauma in the MLB has risen in recent years. The player's height, conference, and playoff season were the most associated factors. Most injuries occurred in the periorbital area. A recommendation for the use of protection goggles can be made to prevent them.