Maxillofacial Injuries in Children: A 10 year Retrospective Study

Fractures of facial bones in children are relatively uncommon although both children and adults are subjected to similar types of injuries. This study aims to evaluate the epidemiology of facial bone fractures among children under 14 years, their management and outcome.

This retrospective study included maxillofacial injuries treated in 112 children under 14 years admitted due to maxillofacial injuries during the period from 2001 to 2011.

Of them ten (8.93 %) were below 5 years, 44 (39.29 %) between 6 and 10 years and 58 (51.78 %) between 11 and 14 years of age. Male to female ratio was 1.8:1. Fall from a height was the most common etiology. The most common jaw involved in the fracture was the mandible. Conservative management was done in 83.04 % of cases and open reduction and internal fixation was performed in 16.96 % of cases. Five (4.46 %) cases accounted for post-operative wound infection.

Fracture of the mandible is the most common maxillofacial injury in children, most often caused by fall from a height. The osteogenic potential of the mandible in children leads to conservative management of these fractures. Opportunities for prevention of maxillofacial trauma should be taken into consideration by parents and care takers.