Pediatric craniomaxillofacial trauma.

Trauma is a leading cause of death in children. The pediatric facial skeleton goes through progressive development and major changes, including change in the size ratio of the cranium to the face; change in the ratio of facial soft tissue to bone, and pneumatization of the sinuses. The main goal of maxillofacial fracture repair is to reestablish normal or preinjury structure and function. Follow-up is typically recommended until children reach skeletal maturity as trauma may affect growth of the facial skeleton. Problems not obvious immediately after the injury may become an issue later, and secondary surgery might be needed to address such issues.