Mandibular Condylar Fracture in a Professional Soccer Goalkeeper: How to Achieve Early Return-to-Play—A Case Report

Sport-related mandibular fracture is a common injury in the field of maxillofacial surgery. However, the treatment of mandibular condylar fractures in professional soccer goalkeepers is rarely reported. A 32-year-old male professional soccer goalkeeper was referred for malocclusion after collision with an opponent player during a game. The patient’s mandible was displaced between the left lower lateral incisor and left lower canine. Computed tomography showed right condylar base fracture with medial displacement and left para-symphysis fracture. Internal fixation using retromandibular anterior trans-parotid approach via 25-mm skin incision immediately below the earlobe and intraoral vestibular approach were performed under general anesthesia 2 days after the injury. The patient was discharged without complications 3 days after surgery, with mandibular protrusion and diduction exercises with limitation of mouth opening. Soft diet and limitation of mouth opening was performed for 4 weeks after surgery. To achieve early return-to-play, rehabilitation based on Fowell and Earls’ return-to-play guidelines following facial fractures was started, with moderate exercise 5 days after surgery, and progressively full exercise without contact 8 days after surgery. He started normal team training with individualized jaw-guard 4 weeks after surgery. His body weight decreased by 2.2 Kg 1 week after surgery, gradually recovered, and became normal 4 weeks after surgery. The patient returned to a game 2 months after surgery. This case report can be a reference case in condylar fractures of professional soccer players, as the available scientific literature is limited with regard to return-to-play after maxillofacial fracture in professional athletes.