Maxillary Fracture & Other Pediatric Facial Trauma & Reconstruction
University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's has a team of pediatric specialists skilled in treating a range of traumatic facial injuries, from minor to severe.
Craniofacial trauma in children is different from traumatic injuries as adults, because it can impact growth and development. Our multidisciplinary team can address this developmental aspect when formulating a treatment plan to prevent long-term problems due to trauma.
Causes of pediatric facial trauma include accidents, falls and sports-related injuries. Common injuries include soft-tissue injuries, facial bone fractures, maxillary fracture, and injuries to the jaw and teeth.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Facial Trauma
The facial trauma team works hand in hand with the specialists at the UH Rainbow Trauma Center, Northern Ohio’s only Level I pediatric trauma center. Because of this close working relationship, we are able to provide immediate, timely care for young trauma patients.
Our specialists provide speedy and accurate diagnosis of facial trauma through patient evaluation and imaging technology such as X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans.
Treatment for facial trauma will depend upon the severity of the injury. Many soft tissue injuries and minor fractures will not require surgery. However, more severe injuries and fractures many require surgery to stabilized the injury and reconstruct the injured part of the face. Our pediatric plastic surgeons have the skills necessary to repair damage caused by facial trauma and improve both function and appearance.
Our pediatric plastic surgeons will consult with other UH Rainbow specialists as necessary to ensure appropriate care for every patient. Other pediatric specialists who may be involved in facial trauma care include:
- Anesthesiologists
- Child life specialists
- Dental surgeons
- Dietitians
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
- Otolaryngologists (ENT physicians)
- Psychologists
- Radiologists
- Social workers
Life After Facial Injury
A traumatic facial injury can profoundly affect young patients and their families on many different levels – both physically and emotionally. That’s why our UH Rainbow pediatric facial trauma experts have created the Life After Facial Injury Program. This multidisciplinary program is dedicated to the restoration of the physical, emotional and personal well-being of patients who have experienced a facial injury. This unique program is led by UH Rainbow's director of pediatric craniofacial surgery. Its goal is to ensure that every patient gets the level of care they need - before, during and after reconstructive surgery. In this way, patients can make a full recovery and return to life as quickly as possible.