Abstract
Craniofacial trauma is common in the pediatric population, with most cases limited
to soft tissue and dentoalveolar injury. Although facial fractures are relatively
rare in children compared with adults, they are often associated with severe injury
and cause significant morbidity and disability. Initial evaluation of a child with
facial trauma generally involves stabilizing the patient and identifying any severe
concomitant injuries before diagnosing and managing facial injuries. The management
of pediatric facial fractures is relatively more conservative than that of adults,
and nonsurgical management is preferred when possible to prevent the disruption of
future growth and development. Outcomes depend on the site of the injury, management
plan, and subsequent growth, so children must be followed longitudinally for monitoring
and the identification of any complications.
Keywords
pediatric facial trauma - facial fractures - reconstructive surgery
