Maxillofacial injuries in infants and preschools: a 2.5-year study.

PURPOSE

This study aims to evaluate the epidemiology of maxillofacial injuries in infants and preschools.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The data from 110 infants and preschools with maxillofacial injuries from October 2010 to March 2013 were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The male-to-female ratio was 1.89:1. The peak age was 1 to 3 years (53.64%). Accident falls (76.36%) were the major cause. A total of 166 soft-tissue injuries were found in 103 patients, 102 dental traumas in 36 patients, and 53 maxillofacial fractures in 33 patients. The most common sites of soft-tissue injuries included the gingiva (17.47%), lower lip (13.86%), upper lip (13.25%), and chin (12.05%), and the majority were lacerations (77.71%). Dental traumas occurred mainly in incisors (81.37%) and the lower arch (60.78%). Of the 53 fractures, the most common sites were the condyle (45.28%), symphysis (22.64%), and mandibular body (16.98%); 28 (52.83%) were treated by operation and 25 (47.17%) by conservative treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Maxillofacial injuries in infants and preschools exhibit specific epidemiological features. These are related to anatomic, physiologic, and psychologic development in infants and preschools.