OasisLMS

This retrospective cohort study evaluates the frequency, documentation, presentation, and outcomes of traumatic brain injury among 2,966 pediatric patients with craniomaxillofacial trauma. Concomitant TBI was identified in 27.3% of patients but documented in only 1.6% of those cases. Patients with TBI had longer hospital stays and higher 2-year mortality, with worsening outcomes as TBI severity increased. Skull and upper-third fractures were more common among patients with concomitant TBI, whereas middle-third fractures were less common. These findings emphasize the importance of routinely assessing pediatric CMF trauma patients for TBI, documenting even mild injuries, and coordinating care with neurology and neurosurgery when appropriate.

Intended Audience

This educational activity is intended for plastic surgery practitioners, residents, and other healthcare professionals interested in translating expanded knowledge into practice for the improvement of patient outcomes in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Learning Objectives

After viewing this course, the participant should be able to:

1. Describe the frequency and documentation of traumatic brain injury among pediatric patients with craniomaxillofacial trauma.
2. Compare clinical presentation and outcomes among pediatric craniomaxillofacial trauma patients with and without concomitant traumatic brain injury.
3. Identify craniomaxillofacial fracture patterns and injury characteristics associated with concomitant traumatic brain injury.
4. Evaluate the relationship between traumatic brain injury severity, hospitalization, follow-up, and mortality.
5. Apply the study findings to screening, documentation, and multidisciplinary management of pediatric craniomaxillofacial trauma patients.

Helen Xun, MD

Christopher D. Lopez, MD

Jonlin Chen, BS

Erica Lee, MS

Amir H. Dorafshar, MBChB

Paul N. Manson, MD

Mari Groves, MD

Richard J. Redett, MD

Joseph Lopez, MD, MBA

Editor-in-Chief: Kevin C. Chung, MD

Co-editor: Amy S. Colwell, MD

Srinivas M. Susarla, DMD, MD, MPH, FACS, FAAP

Solomon Lee, MD

• Systems-based Practice
• Medical Knowledge
• Practice-based Learning and Improvement

Accreditation

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Designation

The ASPS designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™: 1.0

Media: Journal Article

Release Date: 10/13/2026

Expiration Date: 10/13/2026*

Estimated time to complete this course: 1 hour

*Course access ends on course expiration date

Disclosure Policy

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) requires all instructors, planners, reviewers, managers and other individuals in a position to control or influence the content of an activity to disclose all relevant financial relationships or affiliations. All identified conflicts of interest must be resolved and the educational content thoroughly vetted by ASPS for fair balance, scientific objectivity and appropriateness of patient care recommendations. ASPS also requires faculty/authors to disclose when off-label/unapproved uses of product are discussed in a CME activity or included in related materials.

Disclaimer: All relevant financial relationships for planners, faculty and others in control of content (either individually or as a group) are reviewed by the ASPS Continuing Education Committee and have been mitigated, if applicable.

The following planners and faculty members have no relevant financial relationships or affiliations to disclose:

Helen Xun, MD

Christopher D. Lopez, MD

Jonlin Chen, BS

Erica Lee, MS

Amir H. Dorafshar, MBChB

Paul N. Manson, MD

Mari Groves, MD

Richard J. Redett, MD

Joseph Lopez, MD, MBA

Solomon Lee, MD

Srinivas M. Susarla, DMD, MD, MPH

Recognition Statement

The Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits offered by this activity are enhanced by ASPS Learner Credit Reporting for learners who have opted into this reporting. Successful completion of this CME activity enables active American Board of Surgery (ABS) members the opportunity to earn credit toward the CME requirement of the ABS's Continuous Certification program when claimed within 30 days of completion of the activity.

Directly provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS®)

Participants in ASPS-accredited education who want their CME credits reported to certifying and state licensing boards must opt-in to reporting and add their NPI as well as state license ID and/or collaborating board ID(s) before claiming credit.