Face-protective orthosis in sport-related injuries.

Abstract

Sport is associated with risk of injury and re-injury. A rehabilitative sport-related orthosis could protect the injured site and help in the earlier return of athlete to the match. This technical note aims to describe a potential high-prescribed face orthosis to protect/prevent a sport-related injury. Face-protective orthosis should be custom molded from negative impression of the injured athlete's face. It is lightweight and structured as a one-piece rigid plastic shell that is secured in place with three elastic straps. Due to the diverse patterns of craniomaxillofacial injuries, the shape, length, trimline, and characteristics of face-protective orthoses could be different. Face-protective orthoses could have prophylactic or rehabilitative roles according to task and prescription reason. Although the main action of the facial orthoses should be protection, the design of the face-protective orthosis should be improved both functionality and aesthetically to promote its use by athletes. The craniomaxillofacial injuries have potential to be treated by custom-molded face-protective orthoses. These orthoses could have prophylactic or rehabilitative roles based on their prescription purpose. These orthoses could cause earlier return of athletes to sports matches.