Craniofacial trauma

Management of the pediatric facial trauma patient presents a unique challenge to the clinician given the differences in anatomy, physiology and psychological development compared to the adult patient. These differences account for the overall low incidence of these injuries in the United States. Although many of these craniofacial injuries are treated in a conservative fashion, a high index of suspicion, and a thorough clinical exam should guide treatment even in the setting of normal radiographic studies. Often a multidisciplinary surgical team is needed to treat the various components of these complex injuries, especially considering the long-term effects that treatment may have on growth and development. This chapter discusses the treatment of frontal, orbital, nasal, mid-face and mandibular fractures, in addition to the management of soft tissue injuries as they pertain to the pediatric critical care specialist.