[Isolated Fractures Of The Mandible In Children: Epidemiological, Clinical And Therapeutic Aspects].

Introduction: Facial fractures are rare in the pediatric population compared to adults. They represent 1 to 15% of maxilla-facial trauma. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic characteristics of mandible fractures in children in a developing country.

Material and methods: This was a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study - from January 1, 2016 to June 31, 2020 involving 17 cases. It took place in the Department of Odonto-Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Hospital and University Center (CHU) of Bouaké.

Results: There were 14 boys (82.35%) and 3 girls (17.65%) i.e. a sex ratio of 4.66. Road traffic accidents were the main cause with 64.72% (n=11). Unifocal fractures were found in 14 patients (82.35%). The seat was parasymphyseal in 29.41% (n=5). Bifocal fractures were found in 3 patients (17.65%). The site was condylar and symphyseal in 2 patients (75%). It involved the symphysis and the horizontal branch in 1 patient (25%). Orthopedic treatment was performed in all patients (100%). The evolution was favorable in all patients, i.e. 100% of cases.

Conclusion: The fracture of the mandible in children is a traumatological entity which is an epidemiological and therapeutic particularity.