[Care of skull injuries in childhood]

Fractures and injuries of the face and jaws in children differ from those in adults with regard to common occurrence and seriousness of injury. Injuries occur predominantly at school or during sports, whereas car accidents are not significant. 7% of our children had fractures of the middle face , compared with a much higher incidence in adults. In such cases, it is always necessary to look for a fracture of the skull base. For the transport of the seriously injured child, respiration and circulation must be safeguarded . Intubation and treatment of haemorrhage must, in the case of serious injury, be placed first. It is only then that transport to a specialised clinic can be carried out. Special features of diagnosis and therapy in children are indicated.