Mandibular fractures in a group of Brazilian subjects under 18 years of age: A epidemiological analysis

Objective: This study showed a retrospective analysis of the etiology, incidence and treatment of maxillofacial injuries in a pediatric and adolescent population of the State of Sao Paulo. Methods: We analyzed 2986 medical records of victims of facial trauma under 18 years, treated between 1999 and 2008 by the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Sao Paulo - Brazil. During this period, 757 patients under 18 were victims of maxillofacial trauma, of which, 112 patients had 139 lines of fracture in the mandible. The most affected age group were male adolescents. Results: The bicycle accidents constituted the main etiology (34.82%). The conservative treatment was used in 51% of cases, and 49% received surgical treatment. Only 5 cases of postoperative complications were identified. Conclusion: The incidence of trauma and mandible fractures in pediatric and adolescent patients was high in the area of study. Bicycle accidents and falls being the main etiological factors. The group of adolescents was most affected. The conservative and surgical treatment was used almost in the same proportion. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.