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European Maxillofacial Trauma (EURMAT) in children: a multicenter and prospective study
Paolo Boffano1, Fabio Roccia2, Emanuele Zavattero2
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Pathology, VU University Medical Center and Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
Pediatric maxillofacial trauma is most often caused by falls in younger children and sports injuries in older children. Mandible fractures, especially condylar ones, are most common in these young patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Maxillofacial Surgery
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Pediatric maxillofacial trauma presents unique epidemiological challenges.
- Understanding injury patterns is crucial for prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiology of pediatric maxillofacial trauma in a European multicenter prospective study.
- To identify common causes, fracture sites, and demographic patterns.
Main Methods:
- Prospective data collection over one year across European centers.
- Inclusion of 3396 maxillofacial fracture patients, with a focus on 114 pediatric cases (≤15 years).
- Recording of gender, age, etiology, fracture site, and date of injury.
Main Results:
- The pediatric cohort (3.3%) had a mean age of 10.9 years, with 63% aged 11-15.
- Falls were the leading cause of injury (36 patients), followed by sports injuries and assaults in older children.
- Mandibular fractures were most frequent (47 cases), with condylar fractures (18) being the most common type.
Conclusions:
- Falls are the primary cause of pediatric facial trauma, particularly in younger children.
- Increased incidence of sports-related injuries in older children highlights the need for protective gear.
- The mandible, especially the condyle, remains the most susceptible site for pediatric maxillofacial fractures.
Objective:
The aim of this study is to present and discuss the results of a European multicentre prospective study about pediatric maxillofacial trauma epidemiology during a year.
Study Design:
The following data were recorded: gender, age, etiology, site of fracture, date of injury. Of the 3396 patients with maxillofacial fractures admitted within the study period, 114 (3.3%) were children aged 15 years and younger, with a male/female ratio of 2.6:1. Mean age was 10.9 years. Most patients (63%) were aged 11-15 years.
Results:
The most frequent cause of injury was fall (36 patients). Sport injuries and assaults were almost limited to the oldest group, whereas falls were more uniformly distributed in the 3 groups. The most frequently observed fracture involved the mandible with 47 fractures. In particular, 18 condylar fractures were recorded, followed by 12 body fractures.
Conclusions:
Falls can be acknowledged as the most important cause of facial trauma during the first years of life. The high incidence of sport accidents after 10 years may be a reason to increase the use of mouthguards and other protective equipment. Finally, the mandible (and in particular the condyle) was confirmed as the most frequent fracture site.
