Pediatric craniofacial trauma.
OBJECTIVE
Maxillofacial and skull fractures occur with concomitant injuries in pediatric trauma patients. The aim of this study was to determine the causes and distributions of maxillofacial and skull fractures as well as concomitant injuries of pediatric patients in Switzerland. Results were compared with worldwide studies.


METHODS
A retrospective review was conducted of 291 pediatric patients with maxillofacial and skull fractures presenting to a level-I trauma center over a 3-year span. Data concerning the mechanism of the accident and the topographic location of the injuries were analyzed.


RESULTS
The most common causes were falls (64%), followed by traffic (22%) and sports-related accidents (9%). Fifty-four percent of the fractures occurred in the skull vault and 37% in the upper and middle facial third. One third of the patients (n = 95) suffered concomitant injuries, mostly cerebral concussions (n = 94).


CONCLUSIONS
The spectrum of craniofacial injuries is related to the specific developmental stage of the craniofacial skeleton. It is probable that national prevention programs will have a positive effect on reducing the incidence of falls. Standardization of studies is needed for international comparison.
Eggensperger Wymann
Nicole M
NM
Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Bern, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland. nicole.eggensperger@insel.ch
Hölzle
Alexander
A
Zachariou
Zacharias
Z
Iizuka
Tateyuki
T
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005147:Facial Bones / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D013557:Switzerland / Q000453:epidemiology; D014754:Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data