Pediatric maxillofacial trauma. Age-related variations in injury.

Seventy-two children were treated for maxillofacial injuries by the otolaryngology service between January 1984 and June 1988. Patients were divided into three age groups on the basis of the development of paranasal sinuses and dentition. Differences in fracture characteristics, associated injuries, and treatment modalities were correlated to the maturational changes in the pediatric facial skeleton. The fracture site tended to shift from the upper to the lower aspect of the face with increasing age of the patient. Associated injuries were frequent, especially cranial injuries, and temporal bone fractures were notably more common in the youngest age group. Conservative treatment was found to be successful, particularly in the youngest age group, because of the unique remodeling potential of the pediatric facial skeleton.