Pediatric Craniomaxillofacial Fractures: A Review

Abstract

Pediatric facial fractures constitute a small portion of all facial fractures. The frequency of pediatric facial fractures by location, and mechanism of injury, changes over time associated with craniofacial growth and activity. Pediatric patients have protective anatomic features, such as increased soft tissue, excess adipose tissue, and more flexible bone. Conservative management is often sufficient. Surgical intervention can often be conservative. Follow-up monitoring is valuable for concerns of growth disruption from either the trauma itself or surgical interventions. Older teenage patients may often be treated similar to adults. Postoperative management varies by fracture type without a defined long-term follow-up course.

Keywords: Craniomaxillofacial; Facial fracture; Maxillofacial; Pediatric facial trauma.