Traumatic Falls in the Pediatric Population: Facial Fracture Patterns Observed in a Leading Cause of Childhood Injury.

PURPOSE: Falls are a leading cause of nonfatal injury in the pediatric population, resulting in numerous hospitalizations. Children may not have fully developed reflexive and balancing abilities, rendering them more susceptible to traumatic falls. Here the authors present their findings regarding patterns of facial fracture and concomitant injury seen in the pediatric population secondary to falls. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of all facial fractures as a result of falls in the pediatric population in a level 1 trauma center in an urban environment (University Hospital in Newark, NJ). Patient demographics were collected, as well as location of fractures, concomitant injuries, and surgical management strategies. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients were identified as 18 years or younger and having sustained a facial fracture as the result of a fall. This cohort was compared with 418 pediatric patients with facial fractures due to nonfall etiologies. The mean age was 9.6 years (range, 0-18 years), with a male predominance of 67.3%. There were a total of 70 fractures identified on radiological imaging. The most frequently fractured bones were the orbit (n = 27), nasal bone (n = 15), and mandible (n = 11). Orbital and frontal sinus fractures each occurred more frequently due to falls compared with all other causes of injury. Patients with orbital fractures were significantly more likely to present with an additional facial fracture compared with those without (P < 0.01). The most common concomitant injuries were traumatic brain injury, skull fracture, and intracranial hemorrhage. Patients who suffered a facial fracture due to a fall were significantly more likely to sustain a concomitant skull fracture (P < 0.05) and intra-abdominal injury (P < 0.05) compared with all other etiologies. Fourteen patients required surgical intervention. One patient died. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric facial fractures are a unique entity. The general plasticity of the pediatric anatomy can predispose patients to significant injury without obvious external signs. A high level of clinical suspicion is required to avoid misdiagnosis and delay of treatment. The authors hope this study can address a preventable issue in child safety, educate caregivers, and provide insight towards fracture management that fosters functional and aesthetic recovery.

Relevance of Academic Productivity in the Assessment of Integrated Plastic Surgery Applicants.

BACKGROUND: The academic productivity of an integrated plastic surgery applicant is strongly considered during the ranking process but is often difficult to assess. The h-index is a tool that provides an objective measure of both the quality and impact of an author's academic works. The goals of this study were to assess whether the h-index of recently matched plastic surgery interns correlates with their home and eventual residency program characteristics. METHODS: A database of all 2018 interns in integrated plastic surgery programs was created. The SCOPUS database was queried for the h-indices for each individual. RESULTS: In 2018, 77 integrated plastic surgery programs offered a total of 168 PGY1 positions; data was able to be obtained for 131 individuals. The mean h-index was 1.26 (range 0-14), with a mean of 4.22 publications (range 0-58). The h-index increased in concordance with overall number of publications. The h-index of applicants matching at Top 50 NIH Funded institutions had a significantly higher h-index (1.57) compared to those that matched to all other institutions (0.76) (p<0.05). Applicants matching at a "top 20" program as determined by Doximity reputation rankings also had a significantly higher h-index (1.96) compared to those matching at all other programs (0.83) (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The h-index of recently matched integrated plastic surgery interns correlates with several factors including program reputation and level of NIH funding. As applicants become increasingly well-qualified and the number of the publications increases commensurately, programs that place an emphasis on academic productivity may consider incorporating the h-index into their evaluation.

Patterns of Nasoorbitalethmoid Fractures in the Pediatric Population.

There is an absence of literature regarding nasoorbitoethmoid (NOE) facial fractures. Although NOE fractures are uncommon, there are a significant number in the pediatric population. These fractures also often occur in conjunction with other facial fractures because the NOE region adjoins the nose, orbit, maxilla, and cranium. They can also be a harbinger for more serious concerns such as traumatic brain injury and intracranial hemorrhage. For this reason, NOE fractures can be highly complicated and a challenge to manage. We aim to define the etiologies and patterns of NOE fractures to guide hospital and surgical management strategies. From 2001 to 2014, 15 pediatric patients were identified as having sustained an NOE fracture. Four (26.7%) of the patients were female and 11 (68.8%) were male. Average age was 11.40. The most common etiologies recorded were motor vehicle accident (n = 8), pedestrian struck (n = 3), and assault (n = 2). Orbital fracture (n = 13), nasal fracture (n = 13), and frontal sinus fracture (n = 10) were the most commonly associated facial fractures sustained alongside NOE fracture. Several patients sustained traumatic brain injury (n = 11) and loss of consciousness (n = 13). The mean Glasgow Coma Score was 10.5. In addition, eight required intubation and five required a surgical airway. Thirteen of the patients were admitted to the ICU and eight required surgical management for their fractures. Titanium plates were most commonly used (n = 4) for surgical management. Alternatively, resorbable implants were used for two patients. The remaining two were treated with closed reduction.

Sports-Related Pediatric Facial Trauma: Analysis of Facial Fracture Pattern and Concomitant Injuries.

Objective Sports-related injuries, such as facial fractures, are potentially debilitating and may lead to long-term functional and aesthetic deficits in a pediatric patient. In this study, we analyze sports-related facial fractures in the urban pediatric population in an effort to characterize patterns of injury and improve management strategies and outcomes. Methods Retrospective chart review was performed for all facial fractures resulting from sports injuries in the pediatric population at a level-1 trauma center (University Hospital, Newark, NJ). Results Seventeen pediatric patients were identified as having sustained a fracture of the facial skeleton due to sports injury. Mean age was 13.9 years old. A total of 29 fractures were identified. Most common fracture sites included the orbit ( n = 12), mandible ( n = 5), nasal bone ( n = 5), and zygomaticomaxillary complex ( n = 3). The most common concomitant injuries included skull fracture ( n = 3), intracranial hemorrhage ( n = 4), and traumatic brain injury ( n = 4). One patient was intubated upon arrival to the emergency department. Hospital admission was required in 13 patients, 4 of which were admitted to an intensive care setting. Nine patients required operative intervention. Mean length of hospital stay was 2.4 days. No patients were expired. Conclusions Sports-related facial fractures are potentially debilitating injuries in the pediatric population. Analysis of fracture pattern and concomitant injuries is imperative to develop effective management strategies and prevention techniques.