Comparison of Pediatric and Adult Mandibular Fractures: Identifying Differences in Presentation and Management Using...

Area of Science:

• Trauma surgery
• Pediatric orthopedics
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery

Background:

• Mandibular fractures present distinct challenges in pediatric patients, potentially causing long-term growth and functional issues.
• Optimal management strategies for pediatric mandibular fractures lack consensus.
• This study compares pediatric and adult mandibular fractures regarding epidemiology, presentation, treatment, and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the epidemiological differences in mandibular fractures between pediatric and adult populations.
• To analyze treatment modalities and outcomes for pediatric versus adult mandibular fractures.
• To identify unique characteristics of pediatric mandibular fracture management.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, population-based study utilized data from the National Trauma Data Bank (2016-2019).
• Patients with mandibular fractures were stratified into pediatric (<18 years) and adult (≥18 years) cohorts.
• Demographics, fracture etiology, treatment, hospital outcomes, and complications were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The study included 3,968 pediatric and 38,898 adult patients with operative mandibular fractures.
• Being struck was the primary cause for both groups, followed by motor vehicle incidents and falls.
• Pediatric patients more often received care at Level I trauma centers, had quicker surgical intervention, and higher transfer rates, with similar low complication rates.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric mandibular fractures, while less frequent, display distinct epidemiological and management patterns compared to adults.
• Children underwent surgical intervention sooner and had comparable low complication rates to adults.
• Further research is recommended to develop specific treatment guidelines for pediatric mandibular fractures.