Paediatric maxillofacial trauma: An overview of incidence, challenges and management

Abstract

Introduction: Paediatric maxillofacial trauma poses a significant threat to children and their well-being, with increasing incidence globally, particularly in developing nations. This study, conducted over 5 years at a private medical college and hospital in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, analysed 225 cases of paediatric maxillofacial injuries, providing a comprehensive overview of incidence, challenges and management strategies. Materials and Methods: The male predominance (2:1 ratio) aligns with existing literature, emphasising the higher susceptibility of boys to traumatic injuries. A concerning 40% of cases involved a loss of consciousness, underscoring the severity of these incidents. Timely medical attention is crucial, as revealed by the finding that approximately 20% of patients sought help more than 24 h after the incident. Results: Head injuries, identified in 35 patients, exhibited a positive correlation with delayed admission times, emphasising the need for prompt evaluation, especially for potential intracranial complications. The study explored causes, with self-falls being the most prevalent (45%), while child abuse instances were absent. Age-specific patterns were noted, emphasising the need for targeted preventive measures. Soft-tissue injuries (58% of cases) were dominated by lacerations and abrasions, with age-specific correlations providing insights for clinicians. Hard-tissue injuries, including dentoalveolar and mandibular fractures (229 cases), showcased a prevalence of displaced fractures, primarily managed conservatively. Surgical interventions, especially open reduction and internal fixation, were common for mandibular fractures. Conclusion: This study contributes nuanced insights into paediatric maxillofacial trauma, informing clinical practices and guiding preventive strategies. Statistically significant associations between various factors offer a foundation for evidence-based practices, ultimately aiming to reduce morbidity and mortality rates in the paediatric population.

Keywords

• dentoalveolar fracture
• head injury
• mandibular fracture
• open reduction
• paediatric trauma
• soft-tissue injury