Paediatric facial fractures

Paediatric facial fractures are relatively rare due to the elasticity of children´s bones. This elasticity can also make such fractures more challenging to diagnose. Additionally, anatomical differences between juveniles and adults influence the types of fracture observed. In general, boys are more susceptible to trauma; however, this trend does not seem to differ in cases of facial fractures.

The aim of this study is to investigate the association between sex and trauma mechanisms in paediatric facial fractures.

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on paediatric patients diagnosed with facial bone fractures between 2008 and 2018 at Päijät-Häme Central Hospital (Lahti, Finland). Inclusion criteria were one or more fractures in facial bones in patients under 18 years of age.

Of the 37 study subjects, 19% were female and 81% were male. Among females, the most common trauma mechanisms were bicycle accidents and sports related incidents (both 8.1%), whereas in males, motor vehicle accidents and sports related incidents were equally prevalent (both 24%). Associated injuries were uncommon, occurring only in 16% of cases, and they were particularly linked to motor vehicle accidents.

Paediatric facial fractures are rare. Mandibular fractures are more frequent in both the 6-12 and 13-18-year age groups. No consistent association between dentition stage and fracture site is observed. In both sexes, sports related incidents are the most common trauma mechanism, followed by bicycle accidents in girls and MVAs in boys. Differences between trauma mechanisms and facial fracture locations are minor. Associated injuries are infrequent and typically occur in connection with high-energy trauma, such as MVAs.