Pediatric Craniomaxillofacial Trauma

The management of facial injuries has historically focused on adult trauma, accompanied by a conservative approach in the management of pediatric patients. Although facial injuries occur less frequently in children than adults, the pediatric emergency medicine physician will encounter these injuries frequently. A working knowledge of the different types of craniofacial injuries is required to make a diagnosis, order appropriate imaging, and facilitate management. This article reviews common injury patterns, pertinent anatomy and growth patterns, diagnostic tests of choice, and management considerations for pediatric craniomaxillofacial injuries.