Current management of facial fractures in the preadolescent.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article reviews the trends in management of preadolescent facial fractures - a challenging population because of the need to consider growth, dynamic changes in dentition, and evolving fracture patterns.

RECENT FINDINGS: Recent findings are a more thorough understanding of fracture patterns and distribution because of recent comprehensive studies isolating the preadolescent age cohort; the role of rigid internal fixation for significantly displaced fractures; and the potential applications and indications for the use of resorbable hardware for fracture fixation in the preadolescent.

SUMMARY: As preadolescent fractures occur in a period of growth and evolving dentition in the facial skeleton, it is mandatory for the treating surgeon to have a thorough knowledge of standard and alternative treatment options to optimally manage these patients.