[A toddler with a mandibular fracture]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Traumatology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Background:

• Mandibular fractures are infrequent in pediatric patients.
• Symptoms may include preauricular pain, swelling, and trismus following chin trauma.
• Delayed diagnosis can impede proper jaw growth and development.

Observation:

• A 3-year-old boy presented with cheek swelling, fever, and vomiting after a fall on his chin.
• Clinical examination revealed preauricular pain and trismus, initially leading to a suspicion of viral parotitis.
• A subsequent dental examination and orthopantomogram identified a left mandibular collum fracture.

Findings:

• The case highlights a missed diagnosis of pediatric mandibular fracture.
• Orthopantomography proved effective in diagnosing the mandibular collum fracture.

Implications:

• Children with chin trauma require vigilant observation for mandibular fracture symptoms.
• Non-invasive radiographic examination should be considered when a fracture is suspected to prevent long-term complications.