MANDIBULAR FRACTURE IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

Mandible fractures represent a large portion of the facial fractures among the pediatric population. The evaluation diagnosis and treatment of mandible fractures in the pediatric trauma patient differs from that of an adult.Treatment of such fractures requires a complete knowledge of the growth and development of the dentition and the mandible and its subunits. Therefore the surgeon should also comprehend the location of the underlying tooth buds and the IAN during each phase of development that are often encountered in the mixed dentition stage. In cases of mandibular fractures of a young child disruption of periosteal envelope may have unpredictable effects on growth. Thus if intervention is required closed reduction is favored.