Maxillofacial injuries and child abuse: a hospital-based study

Objectives: This study describes the patient profile with maxillofacial injuries attending a trauma unit at a children’s hospital due to child abuse. Methods: A retrospective record-based analysis was carried out of children (less than 13 years of age) presenting with maxillofacial injuries from January 1991 to December 2001. Results: Of the almost 90,000 trauma records, 451 children presented with maxillofacial injuries due to suspected or confirmed child abuse. More than 50% of data on gender and age was missing. A third of children presented with superficial lacerations and abrasions and more than quarter with burn injuries. Two-thirds of the injuries involved the face (other than the facial bones) and a quarter the mouth/oropharnyx. Reported caused of injuries were mainly related to falls from a variety of heights (30%) and assault (22%). Almost a half of the injuries occurred in or around their own home. Conclusion: Child abuse is a major public health problem and dentists and maxillofacial surgeons needs to be vigilant and aware of maxillofacial injuries caused by child abuse.