A review of paediatric maxillofacial injuries--a hospital-based study

Abstract

This study describes the patient profile with maxillofacial injuries attending a trauma unit at a children's hospital. A retrospective record-based analysis was carried out of children (less than 13 years of age) presenting with maxillofacial injuries from January 1991 to December 2001. Of the almost 90,000 trauma records, 13% of children presented with maxillofacial injuries. 60% were boys, with a quarter less than 3 years of age. Most presented with superficial lacerations and abrasions. The face (other than the facial bones) and the mouth/oropharnyx were most often injured. Injuries were mainly caused by falls from a variety of heights and transport-related injuries. Almost 60% of traffic-related injuries involved children as pedestrians being struck by a motor vehicle and 20% were cycle-related. Almost 70% of injuries occurred in or around their own home. Maxillofacial injuries in children are a significant cause of morbidity and its prevention especially in the home and streets needs urgent attention.