Facial fractures in children

Abstract

Facial fractures were uncommon overall but occurred more frequently in children with major trauma. Plain facial radiographs provided limited additional diagnostic information to careful clinical examination and often fail to detect or clearly define a facial fracture in children. In the correct clinical setting, a facial CT scan allows accurate diagnosis of the injury and can reveal previously unsuspected additional fractures.

Maxillofacial Injuries in Children: A 10 year Retrospective Study

“…This finding was similar to previous studies [1,2,7,9,12], however Holland et al [8], Posnik et al [14] and Bamjee et al [15] reported that road traffic accident is the most common cause. Gassner et al [1] reported that majority of accidents occurred during playing (58.2 %) followed by sporting activities (31.8 %), traffic accidents (5 %), assaults (3.9 %).…”

“…This was in accordance with Kumarswamy et al [2], Karim et al [9] and Qudah and Bataineh [12]. In contrary mid face fractures were more common in an Australian study by Holland et al [8]. The low incidence of diagnosis of fractures of the mid face is probably because of the lack of modern radiological techniques such as computed tomography.…”

“…The predominance of males over females with a ratio of 1.8:1 is mainly due to boys being generally more aggressive and spending more time in outdoor activities compared to girls. In similar series, Holland et al [8] reported that 3 % of children presenting to the emergency department with facial trauma, had a 2:1 male to female ratio. This was in accordance with earlier studies [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15].…”

“…In our study maxillofacial fractures were treated with observation and conservative treatment in 83.04 % of cases and with open reduction in 16.96 %. Holland et al [8] treated 43 % of cases and Qudah and Bataineh [12] treated 92 % of cases by conservative approach.…”

“…The incidence of facial fractures in children in India is 5.5 % [2]. The reduced incidence of facial fractures in children when compared to adults is probably due to the flexibility of the facial bone, lack of pneumatization of the paranasal sinuses and protection of the malar region by the prominent buccal pad of fat in infants [8]. Young children are less often involved in occupational or violence related accidents which are typical causes of adult facial fractures [7].…”