title: Pediatric Maxillofacial Trauma Outcomes Based on a Survey of 65 Patients: A Prospective Study of Etiology, Incidence and Methods of Treatment.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to assess the etiology, incidence, and various methods of treatment of maxillofacial injuries in children presenting at our centre and to compare our findings with literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  We carried out prospective study of 65 pediatric maxillofacial trauma patients treated from January 2011 to October 2012 at our centre. Data was collected on age, gender, etiological factors, anatomic site and treatment methods. Follow-up was performed by recall survey.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Out of 65 patients 17 (26.15 %) presented with isolated soft tissue injuries and 48 (73.84 %) patients reported with 81 craniomaxillofacial fractures. Falls were most common mode of injury with 53 fractures (81.53 %). Treatment for fractures in our series comprised of periodic observation for non-displaced fractures (46.15 %), closed reduction (maxillomandibular fixation with IMF screws, acrylic cap splints) for minimally displaced fractures (15.38 %) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for grossly displaced fractures (12.30 %).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Paediatric maxillofacial trauma can be managed conservatively and surgical treatment by ORIF is required in a very small group of children with grossly displaced fractures as a result of high velocity injuries.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prognostic study, Level II.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Government Dental College & Hospital, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh India ; Bhardwaj Cottage, Airahome, Kasumpti, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171009 India.
authors.forename: Yogesh
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Bhardwaj
authors.affiliation: Mahatma Gandhi Medical Complex, Rampur Bsr., Shimla, Himachal Pradesh India.
authors.forename: Deepak
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kumar
keywords: Etiology; Maxillofacial; Pediatric; Trauma; Treatment