Internal fixation in pediatric maxillofacial fractures

Pediatric facial trauma presents unique problems in diagnosis and management. The following review highlights relevant points of craniofacial growth and applied anatomy. The epidemiology of pediatric facial fractures is presented followed by pertinent features of clinical presentation and diagnosis. Management of midfacial injuries is discussed individually for each specific type of fracture with emphasis on the role of rigid fixation. Finally, the relationships between childhood fractures, rigid fixation and craniofacial growth are reviewed.