Introduction
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Differences in the proportions of a child's head and skeleton affect outcome in paediatric "maxfax" injury. The relative prominence of the child's cranium, compared to mid-face and mandible, together with the elasticity of the immature facial skeleton, account for the low incidence of facial fractures in children. However, soft tissue injuries are common.
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Soft tissue injury patterns include burn injury, electrical injury, and lacerations.
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Falls are the most common cause of facial trauma in the paediatric group, followed by blunt trauma from sports activities, motor vehicle accidents and assaults. Non-accidental trauma may also need to be considered.
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Patterns of injury that may lead one to suspect child abuse include multiple bruises in various stages of healing.
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Maxillofacial injuries are commonly associated with cervical spine and intracranial injury.
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Emergency evaluation of a facial trauma patient should always begin with attention to the ABCs. In general, facial injuries rarely require emergency management.