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Oro-facial soft tissue injuries in Nigerian children: a five-year review
O O Bankole1, A O Fasola, O O Denloye
1Department of Preventive Dentistry, College of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Insights
Pediatric maxillofacial soft tissue injuries, primarily lacerations from falls, are common in children under five. Most cases involved the tongue, lips, or cheeks, with males affected more than females.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Pediatric Trauma
- Wound Management
Background:
- Soft tissue maxillofacial injuries are a significant concern in pediatric populations.
- Understanding the epidemiology and common causes is crucial for effective management.
- Previous studies highlight the need for data specific to regional contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the incidence, etiology, and management of soft tissue maxillofacial injuries in children.
- To identify the most frequently affected facial sites and injury types.
- To analyze patient demographics and presentation times.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 64 cases of soft tissue maxillofacial injuries in 50 children.
- Data collected over a five-year period at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
- Analysis of patient age, gender, injury type, cause, affected site, and treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- The study included children aged 3 months to 15 years, with a peak incidence (60%) in those aged 0-5 years.
- Lacerations were the predominant injury type (75%), with falls (66%) as the leading cause.
- The tongue (31.3%), lips (29.7%), and cheeks (10.9%) were the most commonly injured sites. Males showed higher involvement (M:F ratio 2.3:1).
Conclusions:
- Falls are the primary cause of pediatric soft tissue maxillofacial injuries, predominantly affecting young children.
- Lacerations of the tongue, lips, and cheeks are most common, necessitating prompt and appropriate management.
- A significant proportion of patients presented within 24 hours, with conservative management being the most frequent approach.
Abstract:
A review of 64 soft tissue maxillofacial injuries in 50 children seen and managed at the University College Hospital, Ibadan over a five-year period was made. The age range was from 3months to 15years. The highest occurrence was in the 0-5 years old children (60%). The predominant type of soft tissue injuries was lacerations (75.0%). Falls (66.0%) were the most common aetiology followed by road traffic accidents (18.0%). There was a higher involvement of males, than females (M: F of 2.3:1). The tongue (31.3%) was the most commonly affected site of soft injury followed by the lips (29.7%) and cheeks (10.9%). Slightly less than half (46%) of the patients presented within 24 hours of injury. Direct suturing was done in 24% of the children while debridement and conservative management was carried out in 76%.
