Background
Rugby’s characteristic high impact gameplay puts players at risk of injury, with the sport generating the highest number of Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) injury insurance claims compared to any other team sport in NZ(1). Recent medical and media attention has focussed on head injuries and sparked several rule changes to protect players from serious injury. The aim of this study was to characterise the epidemiology of facial fractures sustained while playing rugby and to evaluate the associated cost of this nation’s beloved sport.
Methods
A retrospective review of ACC facial fracture claims from 2012-2022 was performed. Information about player demographics, injury details and cost of treatment was anonymously collected.
Results
A total of 6890 claims covered 7710 rugby facial fractures during the review period, accounting for 9% of all facial fracture claims in NZ. Fractures occurred most in men (94%) and in the 15-19 years age group (34%). Nasal bone fractures were most common and accounted for 65% of fractures. Approximately 1 in 5 fractures required operative intervention (21%). Over the ten-year period the total ACC expenditure for rugby-related facial fractures was 12.8 million dollars.
Conclusion
This study confirms rugby’s significant contribution to facial trauma in NZ. The burden of rugby-related facial trauma lies mostly with young, school-aged male players. This has informed the next phase of inquiry which will assess fracture patterns, ophthalmological injury, concussion and long-term outcomes of facial trauma in this high-risk group.