Mandibular Fractures in Pediatric Patients

Trauma is the leading health problem among children and the major cause of infant mortality. Children are more susceptible to craniofacial trauma due to their greater cranial mass-to-body ratio. The most common facial skeletal traumatic injuries in children are mandibular fractures. Mandibular fracture is also known as the fracture of the jaw and is a breakthrough in the mandibular bone. The principles of management of mandibular fractures differ in children when compared to adults. In adults, absolute reduction and fixation of fractures are indicated, while only minimal manipulation of the facial skeleton is needed in children. The goal of treatment is to restore the underlying bony architecture to a pre-injury position as non-invasively as possible with minimal impairment. The treatment modality varies from conservative non-invasive through closed reduction and immobilization methods to open reduction with internal fixation.