Preliminary communication

Injuries to the orofacial structure in a selected sample of handball players

Vjekoslav Jerolimoy ; Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Davor Seifert ; Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Vlado Carek ; Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Injuries of the orofacial tissue frequently occur in many sports, and the possibility of orofacial injury during the sports season amounts to 10%, and throughout a career 33% to 56%. The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency and seriousness of injury of the orofacial structure in a selected population of top handball players (Croatian National Team). The study was carried out via a questionnaire which each player completed(15 players). The total number of injuries of the orofacial structure was 132 injuries, i.e. 8.8 for each player during his career, During the last year 8 injuries have been recorded, which corresponds to the average of several years. The most frequent injuries were lacerations of the lips, tongue and face, which comprised almost 79% of all injuries. The frequency of injury also depends on the position in the team, and consequently goalkeepers were most often injured, followed by field players and then pivot players, while wings were the least frequently injured. Medical intervention was needed in only five cases.
When comparing the injuries reported in this investigation with those received by the Croatian Premier League water-polo players similarity was observed in the frequency of injuries to the orofacial structures and also the lack of protective equipment during matches. Injuries which are relatively slight and only occasionally require medical intervention, have a non stimulating effect on the utilization of protective equipment - mouthguards. All injuries to the teeth could be prevented or at least diminished by use of a mouthguard. This study, on such a small but specific sample, has proved that the need has arisen for a further study on a considerably larger sample of handball players.

Keywords

orofacial structure, injuries, handball

Hrčak ID:

256984

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/256984

Publication date:

3.5.2000.

Article data in other languages: german

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