Document Type : review article
Authors
Postgraduate student ، Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery , School of Dentistry, Dental Research Center,Avicenna institute of clinical sciences,Avicenna health research institute,Hamadan university of medical sciences, Hamadan, Iran
10.22038/jpp.2026.95316.5646
Abstract
Pediatric maxillofacial trauma represents a distinct clinical entity characterized by unique anatomical, developmental, and biomechanical features. The growing facial skeleton, mixed dentition, and active growth centers contribute to age-dependent fracture patterns and influence management strategies. Epidemiological data indicate higher incidence in male patients, with adolescents being the most affected age group. Common causes include falls, sports-related injuries, and motor vehicle accidents, while fracture distribution varies according to age and mechanism of trauma. Management approaches must balance immediate fracture stabilization with preservation of facial growth, occlusal development, and long-term functional and esthetic outcomes. Non-displaced or minimally displaced fractures are typically managed conservatively, whereas displaced or functionally compromising injuries often require surgical intervention, including open reduction and internal fixation. Growth-preserving techniques, minimally invasive approaches, and the use of bioabsorbable fixation materials have demonstrated favorable outcomes with low complication rates. Despite these advances, the literature is limited by retrospective designs, single-center experiences, heterogeneous patient populations, and inconsistent long-term follow-up data, particularly regarding craniofacial growth and functional recovery. Multidisciplinary care and prospective, multicenter studies with standardized reporting are needed to strengthen evidence-based guidelines. By integrating conservative and surgical strategies tailored to the patient’s age and developmental status, clinicians can optimize functional restoration, esthetic results, and long-term quality of life for children sustaining facial trauma.
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