Pediatric Facial Trauma
We’ve all had our share of trips, bumps, and even broken bones in our childhood years! (If you haven’t, then you’re very lucky!) As the saying goes, children are very resilient, and this is actually due to their biology.
Children have ͞bendy bones͟ which are more likely to bend and crack under pressure rather than break. The term is referred to as greenstick fractures; similar to when a green branch of a tree bends and cracks, but doesn’t break off.
Considering how much energy children have, pediatric facial trauma is actually very rare! Of all facial trauma, only 15% is pediatric (0-18 years).
The maxillofacial region is related to a number of vital functions, such as vision, smell, eating, breathing and talking. It also plays a significant role in appearance.
When treating children’s maxillofacial injuries, we take into consideration the difference anatomically between adults and children. Facial trauma can range between minor injury to disfigurement that lasts a lifetime if not treated correctly.
Children have much more flexibility in their facial bones, as well as smaller sinuses, multiple fat pads and unerupted teeth. In adolescents an increase in risk-taking behavior and the reduction of parental supervision results in an increase in facial fractures.
Contact sports, physical play, riding bicycles, and even road traffic accidents all contribute to pediatric facial trauma. A full treatment plan is always taken into consideration when we deal with facial trauma.
The age of the patient, anatomic site of the trauma, complexity of the injury and how long since the injury occurred is taken into account. Ideally, don’t put off your incident for more than 4 days! This is prime healing time, and if any longer, could extend the healing and complicate the treatment process.
This is why it is very important to always wear protective gear! Remember to always have your children wear seatbelts, and invest in booster or car seats so your children can receive the full protection of seatbelt coverage. During play, remember shin guards, mouth guards and helmets! Especially when riding a bike!
Play it safe, and if life throws a curve ball (at your face!) give Silicon Valley Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery a call!