Mandibular fractures in children. A retrospective study.

This study reviews the treatment of mandibular fractures in children for the period 1986-1995. The sample included 107 children under 15 years of age, which were studied by age, sex, cause and type of fracture, method of treatment and complications. The children were divided into four groups according to the development of the dentition: 0-5 years, 6-9 years, 10-12 years and 13-15 years. Boys to girls ratio was 3.46:1 and the highest incidence was observed in boys over 13 years of age. Associated injuries were more common in younger children (56%). Most of the fractures were the results of traffic accidents (28.97%), games and sports (25.23%), beating (19.63%) or falls (15.88%). Unilateral fractures were more common (69.16%) than bilateral (30.84%). Intermaxillar fixation for 3 weeks was the method of treatment used in 84.12% of the patients. Complications appeared to be rare.