Preserving Pediatric Maxillofacial Growth and Function after Trauma: A Narrative Review of Innovative Surgical Strategies and Long-Term Outcomes

Pediatric maxillofacial trauma is a unique clinical condition characterized by distinct anatomical, developmental, and biomechanical features. The growing facial skeleton, mixed dentition, and active growth centers contribute to age-dependent fracture patterns and influence treatment strategies. Epidemiological data show a higher incidence in male patients, with adolescents being the most affected age group. Common causes include falls, sports-related injuries, and motor vehicle accidents, with fracture distribution varying by age and mechanism of injury. Treatment approaches must balance immediate fracture stabilization with preserving facial growth, occlusal development, and long-term functional and aesthetic outcomes. Non-displaced or minimally displaced fractures are usually managed conservatively, while displaced or functionally compromising injuries often require surgical intervention, such as open reduction and internal fixation. Growth-preserving techniques, minimally invasive approaches, and the use of bioabsorbable fixation materials have shown positive outcomes with low complication rates. However, the literature is limited by retrospective designs, single-center experiences, heterogeneous patient populations, and inconsistent long-term follow-up data, especially regarding craniofacial growth and functional recovery. Multidisciplinary care and prospective, multicenter studies with standardized reporting are necessary to enhance evidence-based guidelines. By combining conservative and surgical strategies tailored to the patient’s age and developmental status, clinicians can optimize functional restoration, aesthetic results, and long-term quality of life for children who have experienced facial trauma.

کلیدواژه ها:

Facial Bones ، Growth and Development ، Maxillofacial injuries ، Pediatrics ، Treatment outcome ، wounds and injuries