Diving after Maxillary Sinus Fracture

[DixieDolphin]

While in Hawaii this past week, I slipped while tidepooling and took a lava rock to the face. Got a CT scan at the local ER and it ended up being a mildly impacted maxillary sinus fracture. Likely recovery time 2-4 months. The ER doc was a diver and seemed to think I'd be okay diving once it healed, though he said I would absolutely need a follow up CT scan and a doctor's clearance before getting back in the water.

I'm back on the mainland now and waiting to get in to see a local specialist, but wanted to ask here in the meantime. Has anyone had any experience with a maxillary sinus fracture and returning to diving? Diving is one of the few sports I can still enjoy these days (I have rheumatoid arthritis, which has robbed me of horseback riding and archery). And I'm terrified of losing that.

I have a lot of seasonal allergies, which has made sinus issues a problem in the past (usually mitigated with 12 hour sudafed and such) but I'm worried this could take me out of the water for good. Anything I should know? Or do? Or be concerned about? Similar experiences?

 

[BoltSnap]

Please make sure that you check with a DAN associated ENT. Ask DAN for referral.

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

While in Hawaii this past week, I slipped while tidepooling and took a lava rock to the face. Got a CT scan at the local ER and it ended up being a mildly impacted maxillary sinus fracture. Likely recovery time 2-4 months. The ER doc was a diver and seemed to think I'd be okay diving once it healed, though he said I would absolutely need a follow up CT scan and a doctor's clearance before getting back in the water.

I'm back on the mainland now and waiting to get in to see a local specialist, but wanted to ask here in the meantime. Has anyone had any experience with a maxillary sinus fracture and returning to diving? Diving is one of the few sports I can still enjoy these days (I have rheumatoid arthritis, which has robbed me of horseback riding and archery). And I'm terrified of losing that.

I have a lot of seasonal allergies, which has made sinus issues a problem in the past (usually mitigated with 12 hour sudafed and such) but I'm worried this could take me out of the water for good. Anything I should know? Or do? Or be concerned about? Similar experiences?

Hi @DixieDolphin ,

If the fracture does not directly affect the meatus (opening/drain) of the sinus and the fracture heals completely without complication, it's likely that you'll be able to return to diving eventually. Weak spots in the bone could be problematic, which is probably the reason the provider who saw you recommended radiologic imaging.

In the greater LA area there are two hyperbaric clinics that I'm aware of with physicians who are trained and experienced in examining divers: UCLA Medical Center, and Long Beach Memorial Hospital. If you're further south, UCSD might be an option. Recommend you reach out to one of those in a few weeks.

Also, if the lava rock strike resulted in any external trauma, make sure you're taking very good care of it and watching for signs of infection.

Best regards,
DDM

 

[DixieDolphin]

Hi @DixieDolphin ,

If the fracture does not directly affect the meatus (opening/drain) of the sinus and the fracture heals completely without complication, it's likely that you'll be able to return to diving eventually. Weak spots in the bone could be problematic, which is probably the reason the provider who saw you recommended radiologic imaging.

In the greater LA area there are two hyperbaric clinics that I'm aware of with physicians who are trained and experienced in examining divers: UCLA Medical Center, and Long Beach Memorial Hospital. If you're further south, UCSD might be an option. Recommend you reach out to one of those in a few weeks.

Also, if the lava rock strike resulted in any external trauma, make sure you're taking very good care of it and watching for signs of infection.

Best regards,
DDM

Thank you! This helps give me a little less to fret about while I wait on seeing a specialist. Much appreciated!

Thankfully, external trauma was minimal. Nothing more than a minor scrape, no blood. Fingers crossed everything inside heals up right. And I appreciate the recommendations on physicians! This is great info.

Thanks so much, again!

 

[Akimbo]

@DixieDolphin

If you don't have it already, it might be useful to get a digital copy of the scan and radiologist's report for your follow-up in California. There are a LOT of layers in 3D scans (CT, MRI or PET) so being able to compare images and see the unhealed injury will make the hyperbaric doc's evaluation easier and possibly more accurate.

IMO, it is always a good practice to get copies of your medical records, especially when seeing providers outside your network. My RN wife ALWAYS scolds me when I forget to request them before the exam.

 

[DixieDolphin]

@DixieDolphin

If you don't have it already, it might be useful to get a digital copy of the scan and radiologist's report for your follow-up in California. There are a LOT of layers in a 3D scan (CT, MRI or PET) so being able to compare images and see the unhealed injury will make the hyperbaric doc's evaluation easier and possibly more accurate.

IMO, it is always a good practice to get copies of your medical records, especially when seeing providers outside your network. My RN wife ALWAYS scolds me when I forget to request them before the exam.

Yep, they sent me home with a digital copy of everything, burned to a CD. Being the curious sort, I found some software that could read the CT image format (which was of a sort I'd never seen before) and it definitely has the full image set. Pretty interesting to scroll through. Now if my local doctor would ever actually call me back, maybe I could get it to them. Sigh.