Prevalence and Etiology of Pediatric Maxillofacial Fractures in a Group of Yemeni Children and Adolescents

Although maxillofacial fractures are not as common in children as in adults, trauma is still the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population worldwide. The aim of this study was to review the pattern and prevalence of pediatric maxillofacial fractures in a sample of the Yemeni population aged 18 years and below. A retrospective analysis of patient records and radiographs was conducted for the 4 year period between June 2016 and October 2020. A total of 71 patients had 87 fractures divided into three age groups, i.e., preschool group (0 - 6 years), primary school group (7 - 12 years) and teenage group (13 - 18 years). The male to female ratio was 2.38:1 and the highest incidence occurred in the age group 13 to 18 years. The main etiological factor was road traffic accidents (RTA), however, falls were the primary etiology in the preschool age group. We conclude that maxillofacial trauma in pediatric patients is associated mainly with RTA and fall and; the mandible is more affected than other maxillofacial structures with the condyle being the most frequently fractured mandibular site.