Conference Coverage

Cycling Accounts for Largest Share of Sports-Related Facial Fractures, 12-Year Study Finds

Edited by:
Anthony Calabro, MA

Key Highlights

  • The analysis identified 67,996 cases, representing an estimated 2,574,821 US emergency department visits from 2013 through 2024.
  • Bicycling accounted for 33.6% of sports-related facial fractures, followed by baseball, basketball, softball, and soccer.
  • Most patients were treated and released, while 20.1% were admitted and 0.2% died.
  • Bicycle-related injuries had higher rates of admission, transfer, and death than ball sport injuries.

Sports-related facial fractures resulted in an estimated 2.57 million US emergency department (ED) visits over 12 years, according to a retrospective cohort study presented at the 2026 AAOMS Annual Meeting in Seattle, WA. Bicycling accounted for the largest proportion of fractures and was associated with a more severe disposition profile than ball sports.

Researchers analyzed the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System from 2013 through 2024. They included cases linked to sports-related product codes and a diagnosis consistent with a maxillofacial skeletal fracture, excluding isolated dental and soft tissue injuries. The analysis evaluated age, sex, causative sport, and ED disposition and used sampling weights to generate national estimates.

Study Findings

The study identified 67,996 unweighted cases, corresponding to an estimated 2,574,821 national ED visits. Patients were predominantly male (74.9%), with a mean age of 32.1 years and a median age of 27 years. Bicycling caused 33.6% of sports-related facial fractures, followed by baseball (12.9%), basketball (11.4%), softball (6.1%), and soccer (4.9%). Ball sport injuries were most common among children and adolescents, while bicycle-related fractures predominated among adults, particularly those aged 45 years and older.

Overall, 74.7% of patients were treated and released, 20.1% were admitted, and 0.2% died. Bicycle-related injuries had higher rates of hospital admission, interfacility transfer, and death than ball sport injuries.

Clinical Implications

According to the study authors, adult cyclists may face elevated risk for severe sports-related facial injury and adverse outcomes. They stated that the findings support stronger prevention efforts, including broader helmet use among cyclists and greater use of facial protective equipment in youth athletics.

Expert Commentary

"These findings underscore the need for strengthened preventive strategies, including expanded helmet use among cyclists and increased adoption of facial protective equipment in youth athletics," the researchers concluded.

Reference
Kurnick B, Weiner R, Bastardi D, Sumler I, Sullivan M, Fisher R. Epidemiology of sports-related facial fractures: a 12-year analysis of the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. Poster presented at: 108th American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Annual Meeting, Scientific Sessions and Exhibition; September 30-October 3, 2026; Seattle, WA. Accessed September 14, 2026. https://aaoms.org/education-meetings/meetings/2026-annual-meeting/