Skeletal and dental disturbances in children after facial burns and pressure garment use: a 4-year follow-up.

Abstract

Pressure garment use alters facial growth during rehabilitation after a facial burn injury. We previously studied 3 children with full facial burns and 3 children with partial facial burns who wore pressure garments for 1 year, and we found that maxillary horizontal growth and mandibular anterior-inferior growth are inhibited during the time of pressure garment use. The purpose of this follow-up study was to prospectively document skeletal and dental changes after pressure garment use was discontinued. We found that although the growth and development of the facial bones seem to return to normal, lasting changes remain. The use of pressure garments after skin grafting is still recommended. However, it is also recommended that an orthodontist be included in the team of burn care specialists for children with facial burns to monitor facial and dental development. Close attention to facial development during and after pressure garment use is necessary to maintain normal dental and facial relationships.