Pediatric versus adult maxillofacial fractures

Abstract
Objective
To study, compare, and analyze the differences and the detailed features of the maxillofacial fractures in adults versus children.

Patients and methods
This prospective comparative study was conducted on patients who had traumatic maxillofacial fractures. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: the pediatric group and the adult group. History taking including the type of trauma, examination, computed tomography (CT) maxillofacial, fracture management, and outcome evaluation was done for all patients.

Results
Within included 82 patients (42 adults, 40 children), males were the most affected in adult and pediatric groups and the most affected age was between 19 and 27 years (29.2%). Motor vehicle accident (MVA) was the most common cause in both the adult group (66.66%) and the pediatric group (60%). But fall represents a significant cause in children (17.5%) with a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.038). The mandibular fracture was the most common fracture in pediatric (65%) and adult (38.1%) groups with a significant difference between both groups regarding different sites of trauma (p = 0.017). Surgical intervention was performed in 80% of pediatric patients and 92.23% with a significant difference (p = 0.035).

Conclusion
MVA is the main etiology of maxillofacial fractures in children and adults, but fall is an important cause of pediatric trauma. Pediatric maxillofacial fractures below school age are a rare event with increasing incidence with age. Mandibular fractures are the most common site in the adult and pediatric populations. Most cases of maxillofacial fractures are surgically treated with OR/IF with good results but conservative management is used more in pediatric than adult fractures.