Pediatric Maxillofacial Trauma

Book excerpt: This book aims to assist the reader in navigating the potentially complex decision-making process involved in selecting the most appropriate intervention for each particular scenario that may be encountered by the practitioner or surgeon in the growing patient with facial trauma. Among the topics covered are the initial management of both soft and bony trauma, including different types of fracture, as well as the management of complications and revision surgery. The discerning practitioner will learn how to provide the appropriate intervention at the appropriate time, by taking into account skeletal growth when matching techniques to the injuries more common in the skeletally immature patient. It is also emphasized that in some cases, no intervention is advisable owing to the possibility of damaging growth centers or introducing additional scar tissue that may impede future growth. Pediatric Maxillofacial Trauma will provide key knowledge for surgeons treating growing patients, ensuring that their decisions to operate or delay intervention are evidence based.