Plates, screws, and children: their relationship in craniomaxillofacial trauma

The ideal modality for fixation of pediatric craniomaxillofacial fractures remains elusive for a number of reasons. Surgeons who manage these injuries have replaced wiring techniques with the introduction of some form of reconstructive implant. The most commonly used implants are either resorbable or semi-rigid titanium. This presentation is a synopsis of the past 30 years of the English-speaking scientific literature including plastic and reconstructive surgery, otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, pediatric, trauma, craniofacial, materials, and biomaterials publications. While no consensus on ideal management was observed, various implant treatment options are discussed, including their indications, contraindications, considerations, and consequences after implant placement.