Justin Turner, a professional baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, suffered a facial injury during a game against the Boston Red Sox in July 2019.
Turner was bleeding and on the ground for a minute as members of Boston’s training staff looked at him and covered his face with a towel. Later, it was announced that Turner had sustained a facial laceration that required 16 stitches.
In this blog post, we will explore the nature of Turner’s injury, its treatment and recovery process, and its implications for Turner and the team.
Understanding the details of Turner’s injury is not only important for baseball fans, but also for anyone who engages in sports or physical activities that pose the risk of injury.
The Injury
Justin Turner’s injury was a facial laceration, which is a cut or tear in the skin that exposes the underlying tissue. According to reports, Turner was hit in the face by a fastball from Boston Red Sox pitcher, Heath Hembree, which caused him to fall to the ground immediately.
Members of Boston’s training staff rushed to his aid and covered his face with a towel as they assessed the severity of the injury. Turner was later helped off the field and taken to a nearby hospital, where he received 16 stitches to close the wound.
Causes of Facial Lacerations in Sports
Facial lacerations are a common type of injury in sports that involve contact, such as baseball, basketball, football, and hockey. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including collisions with other players, contact with equipment or objects, and falls.
In Turner’s case, he was hit in the face by a fastball, which is a common cause of facial injuries in baseball.
Severity of Turner’s Injury
While Turner’s injury was certainly serious, it could have been much worse. According to reports, the injury did not cause any significant damage to his eyes or bones, which could have resulted in permanent vision loss or disfigurement.
However, facial lacerations can still be painful and can take time to heal. The fact that Turner required 16 stitches suggests that the laceration was fairly deep and extensive. The severity of the injury likely impacted Turner’s ability to play immediately following the incident.
Treatment
Immediate Medical Attention
Following the incident, Turner was immediately attended to by members of the Boston Red Sox training staff. He was then taken to a nearby hospital, where he received medical attention from specialized medical professionals.
The immediate medical attention Turner received was critical to ensuring that he received prompt treatment and that any potential complications were addressed in a timely manner.
Treatment Options for Facial Lacerations
Facial lacerations can be treated in a number of ways, depending on the severity of the injury. In Turner’s case, he received 16 stitches to close the wound. Stitches are a common treatment option for facial lacerations, as they help to close the wound and promote healing.
Other treatment options for facial lacerations may include the use of skin adhesives, which are medical-grade glues that can be used to seal the wound, or the use of sutures, which are stitches that are placed beneath the skin to promote healing.
Rehabilitation and Recovery Process
The rehabilitation and recovery process for facial lacerations can vary depending on the severity of the injury. In Turner’s case, he likely had to rest and avoid physical activity for a period of time to allow the wound to heal properly.
He may have also had to undergo physical therapy to help restore any mobility or function that was lost as a result of the injury.
It is important to note that the recovery process can take time and may require ongoing medical attention to ensure that the injury heals properly and that any potential complications are addressed.
Implications for Turner and the Team
Facial lacerations can have a significant impact on an athlete’s ability to play, particularly in sports like baseball where good vision is critical for hitting and fielding. In Turner’s case, the injury likely impacted his ability to play immediately following the incident.
However, he was able to return to play after a brief period of rest and recovery. It is possible that he may have experienced some pain or discomfort during this time, but the exact impact of the injury on his performance is unknown.
Impact on the Team’s Performance
Turner’s injury may have had an impact on the Dodgers’ performance, as he is a key player on the team. Without him, the team may have had to rely on other players to fill his role, which could have disrupted their overall strategy and performance.
Additionally, the injury may have impacted the team’s morale and motivation, as seeing a key player sustain an injury can be disheartening.
Potential Long-term Effects on Turner’s Health
While Turner’s injury was not severe enough to cause any significant long-term effects, facial lacerations can sometimes lead to scarring or disfigurement. This can be particularly concerning for professional athletes, whose appearance may be an important aspect of their public image.
Additionally, the injury may have increased Turner’s risk of developing infections or other complications, which could have long-term health implications.
It is important for athletes to receive proper medical attention and follow up care to ensure that any potential complications are addressed and that they are able to fully recover from their injuries.
Causes of Facial Lacerations in Sports
| Cause of Injury | Description |
|---|---|
| Contact with equipment | Facial lacerations can occur when an athlete comes into contact with sports equipment such as a bat, stick, or racket. |
| Contact with other players | Collisions or contact with other players, either intentional or accidental, can cause facial lacerations. |
| Falls | Trips or falls can lead to facial lacerations if an athlete hits their face on a hard surface. |
| Fast-moving objects | In sports like baseball or hockey, fast-moving balls or pucks can cause facial lacerations upon impact. |
| Poor sportsmanship | Intentional actions by other players, such as punching or elbowing, can cause facial lacerations. |
This table highlights some common causes of facial lacerations in sports, and can be useful for coaches, athletes, and medical professionals who are interested in injury prevention and management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Justin Turner able to play immediately after receiving treatment for his injury?
No, Turner was not able to play immediately after receiving treatment for his injury. He needed to rest and undergo a period of recovery before being cleared to return to play.
What are some common causes of facial lacerations in sports?
Facial lacerations can be caused by a number of factors, including contact with equipment or other players, falls, and collisions. In sports like baseball, facial lacerations can also be caused by impact from a fast-moving ball.
Did Justin Turner experience any complications as a result of his injury?
There is no information to suggest that Turner experienced any complications as a result of his injury. However, facial lacerations can increase the risk of infections and other complications if they are not treated properly.
Will Justin Turner be at risk of sustaining another facial laceration injury in the future?
As with any injury, there is always a risk of sustaining another facial laceration injury in the future. However, taking proper safety measures and following recommended protocols for injury prevention can help to minimize this risk.
How can athletes protect themselves from facial laceration injuries?
Athletes can protect themselves from facial laceration injuries by wearing appropriate protective equipment, such as helmets and face shields. They can also practice good sportsmanship and follow rules and regulations to minimize the risk of contact with other players.
To Recap
Justin Turner’s facial laceration injury was a serious incident that had implications for both him and his team. While the injury did not result in any significant long-term effects, it did impact Turner’s ability to play and may have had an impact on the team’s overall performance.
It is important for athletes to receive prompt medical attention for injuries such as facial lacerations, and to follow up with proper rehabilitation and recovery to ensure that any potential complications are addressed and that they are able to return to play safely.
Overall, the incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in contact sports and the importance of proper safety measures to minimize the risk of injury.
