Craniofacial trauma in children following a road traffic accident: two cases at the Regional Hospital Center of Ebolowa (Cameroon)

Abstract

Head and neck injuries account for almost 60% of traumatic injuries sustained in traffic accidents in tropical regions [1]. In children, the incidence of head trauma is 7.2 cases per year, according to a study conducted in Ivory Coast [2]. We report two cases treated in Ebolowa (Cameroon) in two 4-year-old boys, which were of therapeutic and prognostic interest. Indeed, the role of osteosynthesis in displaced mandibular fractures in children was highlighted on the one hand, and on the other hand, the persistence of functional sequelae such as amnesia after normalization of consciousness and surgery. The first patient, a passenger on a motorcycle, fell and landed on his chin. Bifocal parasymphyseal fractures and displaced mandibular angle fractures were identified. The treatment consisted of reduction and osteosynthesis using screw plates, with uncomplicated outcomes. The second patient, a passenger in a vehicle, suffered a direct blow to the head. The injuries included impaired consciousness for five days and multiple displaced skull fractures with separation of the right frontozygomatic suture. The patient received medical and surgical treatment after his neurological condition improved. The outcome was marked by anterograde amnesia. The management of traumatic craniofacial injuries is multidisciplinary. The availability of adequate technical facilities is essential.