“How do Le Fort-type Fractures Present in a Pediatric Cohort?”

Publication date: Available online 8 December 2017
Source:Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Author(s): Alexandra Macmillan, Joseph Lopez, J.D. Luck, Muhammad Faateh, Paul Manson, Amir H. Dorafshar
PurposeLe Fort-type fractures are very rare in children and there is a paucity of literature presenting their frequency and characteristics. The purpose of this study is to determine the etiology, frequency, and fracture patterns of children with severe facial trauma associated with pterygoid-plate fractures in a pediatric cohort.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of all children aged < 16 years with pterygoid plate and facial fractures that presented to our institute from 1990-2010. Patient charts and radiological records were reviewed for demographics and fracture characteristics. Subjects were categorized into two groups as per facial fracture pattern: non Le Fort-type fractures (Group A) and Le Fort-type fractures (Group B). Other variables including dentition age, frontal sinus development, mechanism of injury, injury severity, and concomitant injuries were recorded. Univariate methods were employed to compare groups.Results24 children were identified, 25% were female, and 20% non-white race. The majority presented with Le Fort-type fracture patterns (group B; 66%). Age was significantly different between group A and group B (mean 5.9 vs 9.9; p=0.009). No significant differences in injury severity score, rate of operative repair, and length of stay were found between groups.ConclusionThe majority of children with severe facial fractures and pterygoid plate fractures present with Le Fort-type fracture patterns in our cohort. The mean age of children with Le Fort-type fractures is greater than those with non-Le Fort-type patterns. However, Le Fort-type fractures do occur in younger children with deciduous and mixed dentition.



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