Patterns of mandible fracture in children under 12 years in a district trauma center in India.

AIM: This study aims to present the data of mandibular fracture among children in the age group of 0-12 years treated in a district trauma center in India. STUDY DESIGN: Sixty-two children younger than 12 years treated for mandibular fractures over two-and-a-half-year period were studied by age, gender, anatomic site, etiology, socioeconomic status, residing area, interval from trauma to reporting, and treatment performed. The cases were divided into three age groups, and the records of the patients were analyzed. RESULTS: The male to female ratio was 1.58:1. Common fall and fall from bike together was a cause for injury in 50% (31 patients), of total patients. Condylar fractures occurred in 25 patients (40.3%). Multiple fractures were seen in 13% of the patients. In 47 (75.8%) patients, associated injuries other than the mandibular fractures were also present. Most patients with mandibular fractures were treated by closed reduction (36 patients, 58%). Conservative treatment and open reduction were done in 18 (29%) and 8 (13%) patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: In addition to factors such as age, gender, etiology, anatomic site, and treatment of mandibular fracture, this study also reported statistics regarding other factors such as residing area, socioeconomic status, and interval from trauma to reporting in Indian patients. It is hoped that the data presented here will be valuable to the government agencies and healthcare professionals for planning treatment, recommending preventive measures and encouraging research in this area.

Awareness of emergency management of dental trauma.

AIM: Traumatic dental injuries frequently occur in society and may occur at home. The ultimate prognosis of an avulsed tooth occurring in a child may depend on the parents' knowledge of appropriate emergency measures. This study is aimed at evaluating the awareness level of a sample of Indian (Rohtak, Haryana) parents in the management of dental trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1500 parents were surveyed using a self-administered structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into three parts. The tabulated data were statistically analyzed using the Chi-square test. RESULT: This study indicated a low level of knowledge regarding tooth avulsion and replantation procedures to be followed in emergency. The residing area and age of parent did not affect the knowledge and awareness of parents. Moreover, well-educated parents also had very little or no information about dental trauma first-aid. The lack of significance in correct answers between those with and without such experience indicated that past experience did not seem to have increase the knowledge of the correct emergency procedures. Very little or no information about tooth avulsion and replantation had been given to most of them. CONCLUSION: Dental injury prevention and management should be recognized as a major public health issue and adequate resources to be allocated for research in this area. Educational programs to improve the knowledge and awareness among the parents have to be implemented.