215 mandible fractures in 120 children: demographics, treatment, outcomes, and early growth data. Plast Reconstr Surg 2013 Jun;131(6):1348-1358
Date
05/30/2013Pubmed ID
23714795DOI
10.1097/PRS.0b013e31828bd503Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84879966222 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 57 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: Optimal management of pediatric mandible fractures demands that the practitioner balance reduction and fixation with preservation of growth potential and function. The ideal synthesis of these goals has not yet been defined. The authors catalogue their experience with pediatric mandible fractures at a major pediatric teaching hospital with reference to demographics, injury type, treatment, and outcomes to inform future management of these injuries.
METHODS: Demographics, management, and outcomes of pediatric mandible fractures presenting over 10 years at a pediatric trauma center were assessed. Cephalometric analysis was conducted. Relationships among demographics, fracture type, management, outcomes, and growth were explored.
RESULTS: Two hundred fifteen mandible fractures in 120 patients younger than 18 years were analyzed (average follow-up, 19.5 months). The condylar head and neck were fractured most frequently. Operative management was significantly more likely for children older than 12 years (p<0.05). Operative management and multiple fractures were significantly associated with a higher rate of adverse outcomes (p<0.05), but no adverse outcomes were considered to significantly affect mandibular function by patient or surgeon. No significant growth differences existed on cephalometric analysis between our cohort and age- and sex-matched controls (p>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: This study reports the demographics, treatment, and early follow-up of a sizable cohort of pediatric mandible fractures. Management principles for these injuries are outlined. Although definitive recommendations must be withheld until longer follow-up is available, the data presented here show that the treatment protocols used at the authors' center have yielded largely uncompromised mandibular function and growth thus far.
Author List
Smith DM, Bykowski MR, Cray JJ, Naran S, Rottgers SA, Shakir S, Vecchione L, Schuster L, Losee JEAuthor
Sameer Shakir MD Assistant Professor in the Plastic Surgery department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Age FactorsCausality
Cephalometry
Child
Child, Preschool
Cohort Studies
Female
Fracture Fixation, Internal
Humans
Infant
Male
Mandible
Mandibular Fractures
Postoperative Complications
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors
Sex Factors
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome
