Maxillofacial trauma of pediatric patients in Malaysia: a retrospective study from 1999 to 2001 in three hospitals.
OBJECTIVE
Maxillofacial trauma in children is not common worldwide. Domestic injuries are frequently seen in younger children while older children are mostly involved in motor vehicle accidents (MVA). The objective of this study was to analyze the pattern of maxillofacial injuries in pediatric patients referred to three government main hospitals in different areas of West Malaysia.


METHODS
Patients' records of three selected hospitals in Malaysia (National University of Malaysia Hospital, Kajang Hospital and Seremban Hospital) from January 1999 to December 2001 were reviewed. Data associated with demographics, etiology of injury in relation to age group, type of injuries whether soft tissues of hard tissue in relation to age group and treatment modalities were collected.


RESULTS
A total of 521 pediatric patients' records were reviewed. Malays made up the majority of patients with maxillofacial injuries in the three hospitals. Males outnumbered females in all the three hospitals. Injuries commonly occur in the 11-16 years old. MVA was the most common etiology followed by fall and assault. Soft tissue injuries were the most common type of injuries in all the hospitals. In relation to fractures, mandible was the most common bone to fracture with condyle being the most common site. Orbital fracture was the most common fracture in the midfacial area. Most of the fractures were managed conservatively especially in the younger age groups. Open reduction with or without internal fixation was more frequently carried out in the 11-16 years old group.


CONCLUSIONS
Children exhibit different pattern of clinical features depending on the etiology and stage of their bone maturation. A dedicated team, who is competent in trauma and aware of the unique anatomy, physical and psychological characteristics of children, should manage pediatric patient with trauma.
Rahman
Roslan Abdul
RA
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry and Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (National University of Malaysia), Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Ramli
Roszalina
R
Rahman
Normastura Abdul
NA
Hussaini
Haizal Mohd
HM
Idrus
Sharifah Munirah Ai
SM
Hamid
Abdul Latif Abdul
AL
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D022125:Lacerations / Q000453:epidemiology; D008296:Malaysia / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000293:injuries; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology; D008446:Maxillofacial Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009917:Orbital Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D014754:Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data