Patterns of pediatric facial fractures: A five year retrospective study

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the patterns of facial fractures in children under 12 years of age admitted at oral and maxillofacial surgery department in Asser central hospital, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a period of 5 years between July 2011 and June 2016. Material and Methods: This retrospective study involved all pediatric patients under 12 years admitted at the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery of Asser central hospital with facial fractures. The following parameters were evaluated: age, gender distribution, etiology of trauma, type of fractures, and treatment modality. Data was analysed using SPSS. Results: Out of 94 children with facial bone fractures, the majority were aged between 6-12 years (72%, (n=68). The mean (±SD) age was 8.4±3.4 years and male to female ratio was 3.7:1. Road traffic accident (RTA) was the most frequent mode of injury (48.9%, n=46). The mandible was most commonly involved (53.2%, n=50) and dentoalveolar fractures including maxilla and mandible encountered 36.2% (n=34) of the cases. The majority of cases (89.4%, n=84) had surgical treatment. Conclusion: The incidence of pediatrics facial fractures in Asser region was high. The 6-12 year olds and boys were most commonly involved in maxillofacial pediatrics trauma. The most common etiological factor was the RTA. Mandibular fractures were the most common type of fracture. Safety programs should be instituted in Aseer region to increase public awareness and to decrease morbidity resulting from pediatrics trauma.