Surfing Accident Ends with Two Broken Noses and a Fractured Eye Socket

We see them riding the waves, catching one swell after another, falling and climbing back onto their boards. But a single bad fall can result in a serious and complex injury, including deep lacerations and fractures of the facial bones. 

Over the past two weeks, no fewer than five surfers arrived at the Emergency Department at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center after taking a bad fall and sustaining facial injuries when they were struck by their surfboards. Most suffered fractures of the nose and facial bones. They received treatment and were discharged home. 

This is exactly what happened to Michal Levy Gorelick, 51, of Binyamina. An experienced surfer, she was surfing in a wave pool when she fell off her board, causing it to fly back at high speed and strike her directly in the face. A CT scan revealed two fractures of her nasal bones and a fracture of the orbital socket. 

Michal Gorelick during an examination at the Department of ENT – Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery Unit at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center

Dr. Noa Barik, a physician in the ENT – Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery Unit at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center who treated Michal, said: "Michal came to our clinic with fractures of the facial bones. She underwent a nasal fracture reduction and will soon require another operation to repair the fracture of her eye socket." 

After successfully undergoing the procedure, Michal thanked the staff of the ENT – Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery Unit for the care she received. 

"I've been surfing for two and a half years. I never imagined something like this could happen to me. Everything happened so quickly, and only now am I beginning to process what I've been through. I'm grateful to the team that treated me with such professionalism and dedication, and I hope to make a full recovery and get back to surfing soon." 

Prof. Itzhak Braverman, Director of the ENT – Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery Unit at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, added: 

"Surfboard-related injuries have recently become an increasingly common occurrence. Hillel Yaffe Medical Center is located near the coast, where a wide range of water sports take place, and we regularly treat injuries resulting from these activities. Recently, we have seen a growing number of surfers arriving with facial bone injuries, deep lacerations, and fractures of the nose, jaw, and orbital socket caused by a direct impact from a surfboard. Before you head out into the water, be aware of those around you and take care to avoid an unfortunate encounter with your surfboard." 

Have a safe and enjoyable surf!