Citation

Grunwaldt L, Smith DM, Zuckerbraun NS, Naran S, Rottgers SA, Bykowski M, Kinsella C, Cray J, Vecchione L, Saladino RA, Losee JE. Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 2011; 128(6): 1263-1271.

Affiliation

1Division of Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC 2Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/PRS.0b013e318230c8cf

PMID

21829142

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Pediatric craniofacial fractures are anatomically distinct from their adult counterparts, and must be managed with respect for future growth and development. These injuries must be approached as entities fundamentally different from adult craniofacial fractures. Here, we aim to provide context for practitioners managing pediatric facial fractures by augmenting presently available demographic, diagnostic and treatment data. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of demographics, diagnosis and treatment of patients under 18 years of age presenting to the emergency department of a pediatric level one trauma center between 2000 and 2005 with facial fractures. Patients were included regardless of treating specialty, treatment modality, or inpatient status. RESULTS: Seven hundred seventy-two consecutive patients met inclusion criteria. A significant majority (p < 0.001) of patients (68.9%) were male; older children were significantly more likely to sustain a facial fracture (p < 0.001). Fracture pattern, level of care, and cause of injury varied by age. 55.6% of patients had severe associated injuries. Males, older patients, and patients of lower socioeconomic status were significantly more likely to sustain facial fractures secondary to violence (p =< 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric facial fractures may be associated with severe concomitant injuries. Injury patterns are significantly correlated with socioeconomic metrics. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: This is a Level IV Prognostic/Risk study addressing the clinical question: "What existing trends in the demographics, diagnosis and treatment of pediatric facial fractures may aid practitioners managing these unique injuries?"

Language: en