Medial wall blow out fractures in children

Background

Fractures of the facial skeleton in children are relatively uncommon in comparison with adults. Within the orbital region fractures are recognised to be rare due the timing of development of the maxillary and frontal sinuses which are not fully developed until 12 years of age. We have recently seen several cases of medial wall fractures in children, which according to the existing literature should be exceptional. This prompted a review of the unit database to clarify the incidence and identify common aetiological factors for these injuries.

Method

Retrospective case note review using the ACFU database.

Results

Six cases were identified with a most cases occurring in males. The aetiology was found to be variable in each case with no identifiable pattern and the subsequent management reviewed.

Conclusion

These six cases highlight that this pattern of fracture can occur more commonly than the existing literature suggests and this should be remembered by those who treat facial trauma in children.