Prevalence of Pediatric Periorbital Trauma at a US-Mexico Border Level 1 Trauma Center, 10 Year Retrospective Review

Abstract

Introduction: Due to its location in the middle third of the face, the periorbital area is exposed to external forces that may cause blunt and/or penetrating trauma. This anatomical location houses important structures for vision, cosmesis, and upper and lower facial skeletal stability. Trauma in this area puts the patient at risk for injuries to important structures, that, when damaged at early age, may have permanent debilitating consequences. Methods: After obtaining IRB approval, we evaluated ER admissions at a Level 1 Trauma Center located in the US-Mexico border over a 10-year-period. Inclusion criteria included patients younger than 18 years old with diagnosis of trauma to the face involving the periorbital region. Results: From January 2009 to December 2018, 1192 pediatric patients were admitted to the Level 1 Trauma Center with trauma that involved the periorbital area amongst other injuries. Mean age was 8, STD 5.2. 61.4% were male patients. The most common mechanism of injury was fall (365) followed by blunt trauma (305) and motor vehicle accident (MVA) (108). 29.4% of patients required admission, and 18.8% required a surgical intervention. Conclusion: Periorbital trauma in the pediatric population may bring lifelong consequences due to deformity, dysfunction, or loss of the structures that are contained within this anatomical area. Further studies are warranted to assess risk factors and to provide prevention measures to avoid trauma and complications due to injury to these important structures.