Pediatric Panfacial Fractures

Abstract

Pediatric panfacial trauma is a rare occurrence with poorly understood implications for the growing child. Treatment algorithms largely mirror adult panfacial protocols with notable exceptions including augmented healing and remodeling capacities that favor nonoperative management, limited exposure to avoid disruption of osseous suture and synchondroses growth centers, and creative fracture fixation techniques in the setting of an immature craniomaxillofacial skeleton. The following article provides a review of our institutional philosophy in the management of these challenges injuries with important anatomic, epidemiologic, examination, sequencing, and postoperative considerations.

Keywords: Craniofacial growth; Panfacial trauma; Pediatric facial fracture.