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New research · Ophthalmology
Sports medicine - open · 2d
ReviewSports medicine - open · 2026

Injury Patterns in Soccer-Induced Maxillofacial Fractures and Ocular Trauma: A Narrative Review.

Anaas M Mergoum, Jacob Lentner, Brooke Echter … James D Smith
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OphthalmologyReview

Zygoma fractures are the most common maxillofacial fracture from soccer

Injury Patterns in Soccer-Induced Maxillofacial Fractures and Ocular Trauma: A Narrative Review.

Anaas M Mergoum … James D Smith
Sports medicine - open · 2026
Background

Maxillofacial fractures and ocular trauma are significant injuries in soccer, with potential functional, aesthetic, and visual consequences if unrecognized.

Purpose

The purpose of this narrative review is to synthesize the current literature to identify injury patterns associated with maxillofacial fractures and ocular trauma in soccer, thereby aiding clinicians in timely diagnosis and management.

Results

of maxillofacial fractures affected the cheekbone, more than any other bone

32.8%
Zygoma
28.4%
Nasal
25.8%
Mandibular
6.5%
Orbital
More results

Among mandibular fractures, the angle was the most vulnerable site, accounting for 39.2% of cases.

Head-to-head contact was the most frequent mechanism resulting in injury; however, although less common, arm or elbow impacts were more likely to result in fracture when they occurred.

More results

Ocular injuries most often present as orbital or eyelid contusions and lacerations (37.1%) and hyphemas (19.5%), with direct ball impact as the primary cause.

Boys (60.4%-69.5%) were at greater risk than girls for ball sport-related ocular trauma, particularly those aged 2-9 years, with soccer being the leading sport implicated.

“
Conclusion · 1 of 4

The zygoma is the most frequently fractured maxillofacial bone, typically resulting from head-to-head collisions.

Conclusion · 2 of 4

Direct soccer ball impact accounts for most ocular injuries in this sport, with orbital or eyelid contusions and lacerations most common, followed by hyphemas.

Conclusion · 3 of 4

Pediatric players may be particularly susceptible to soccer-related ocular trauma, possibly due to an underdeveloped orbital rim.

Conclusion · 4 of 4

Fundoscopic examination is essential after ball impact to detect vitreoretinal injury, even when visual acuity is normal.

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