title: General management considerations in pediatric facial fractures.
abstract: The treatment of pediatric facial fractures, although similar to that of adults, requires a separate and thorough understanding of the unique developmental issues inherent to this age group. The contribution of several of these factors allows for a large portion of these injuries to be managed more conservatively; however, operative indications still exist. The optimal form of management in these situations must balance the risks of impacting dentition or future skeletal growth versus obtaining acceptable stability and reduction for healing. Although these principles have remained largely unchanged over the years, a more current discussion on the state of resorbable and titanium fixation is offered to highlight evolving management considerations. Although uniquely challenging, the proper management of pediatric facial trauma is possible if the treating physician remains aware of key anatomic, epidemiological, evaluation, and management issues.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Richard W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Siy
authors.forename: Rodger H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Koshy
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stal
authors.forename: Larry H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Hollier
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D001860:Bone Plates; D002648:Child; D020878:Device Removal; D005147:Facial Bones / Q000293:injuries*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008445:Maxillofacial Development / Q000502:physiology; D009805:Odontogenesis / Q000502:physiology; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D014025:Titanium
chemical_list: D014025:Titanium