Craniofacial Injuries in Dance: A 10-Year Epidemiological Analysis

Craniofacial injuries in dance remain understudied despite the physical demands and growing global participation in this art form. This study analyzes a decade (2014-2023) of emergency department (ED) data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) to characterize the epidemiology of dance-related craniofacial trauma. A retrospective analysis of 81,571 injuries revealed that 69.9% occurred in female patients, with 77% to 79% of injuries across both sexes affecting individuals aged 0 to 39 years. Females experienced 2.32 times the injury rate of males. The head (52.8%) and face (30.9%) were the most frequently injured sites, with lacerations/internal injuries (61.5%) and concussions (12.2%) predominating. A notable decline in injuries occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021), followed by a rebound to pre-pandemic levels, particularly among females. Most patients (95.9%) were discharged without hospitalization, though craniofacial injuries accounted for 15% of all dance-related ED visits. Males exhibited a higher proportion of craniofacial injuries (19.4%) compared to females (13.7%). These findings underscore the need for targeted injury prevention strategies, including enhanced training protocols, protective equipment, and clinical preparedness for craniofacial trauma in dance settings. By identifying high-risk populations and mechanisms, this study provides a foundation for reducing preventable harm while preserving dance's cultural and physical benefits.