FACE PROTECTIVE ORTHOSIS: A NEED FOR CONTACT SPORTS

Background and AimCraniomaxillofacial traumas are of the most common sport related injuries. The most common sport related facial traumas are soft tissue injuries and bone fractures primarily due to impact of other players especially in team games. A rehabilitative sport related orthosis, could protect the injured site and help earlier return of athlete to the match.TechniqueFace protective orthosis is custom molded from negative impression of athlete's face. Negative impression should be taken while athlete has lied supine with his/her face upward. The orthosis has an open structure that is critical for sport activities to reduce perspiration and improve ventilation. It is light weight and structured as a one-piece rigid plastic shell that secured in place with three elastic straps. Due to diverse patterns of craniomaxillofacial injuries, the shape, length, trimline and characteristics of face protective orthosis could be modified.DiscussionFace protective orthoses could have prophylactive or rehabilitative roles according to task and prescription reason. Governing bodies are responsible of care for safety of athletes and should regulate the use of face protective orthosis in contact sports. Although the main action of the facial orthoses should be protection, the design of face protective orthosis should be improved both functionally and aesthetically to promote its use by athletes.