Facial Trauma

Trauma is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population worldwide with a large proportion of death-related trauma related to head injury. Injury mechanisms are particular to this age group and include the full spectrum of sporting events, falls, motor vehicle collisions, interpersonal assaults, and intentional injuries. Although safety measures have decreased the incidence of fatal head injuries, there has been a concomitant increase in nonfatal injuries. Some studies suggest that during the past years, there has been an increase in the number of children that require emergency and inhospital P. Ferreira (*) · J. Amarante Department of Plastic Reconstructive, Aesthetic, Maxillofacial Surgery and Burn Unit, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal Porto Medical School, Porto, Portugal e-mail: pedroferreira.plas@gmail.com; amarante@med. up.pt C. Soares Porto Medical School, Porto, Portugal Department of Surgery, Centro Hospitalar do Tâmega e Sousa, Penafiel, Portugal e-mail: carlosssoares@sapo.pt © Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2020 P. Puri (ed.), Pediatric Surgery, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-38482-0_133-2 1 management for these injuries. The popularity of manual high-speed wheeled devices, such as bicycles, skateboards, and scooters, among the pediatric population has also contributed to the increased rate of injury. Additionally, the use of motorized vehicles is implicated in high-velocity injuries, resulting in amplified peripheral damage. Engaging in sporting activities, whether on a playground or in a supervised environment, is also a common cause of pediatric injuries. Prevention is key. The use of helmets, protective gear, and restraints reduces but does not eliminate the occurrence of facial injury in users.