A systematic review to determine the frequency of maxillofacial trauma in children and adolescents due to different etiologies

Background: Pediatric maxillofacial trauma remains a globally underrecognized but clinically significant public health issue. Trauma mechanisms vary by age and region, complicating prevention and treatment strategies. Objective: To systematically evaluate the frequency and etiology of maxillofacial trauma in children and adolescents, including the proportion of injuries attributed to falls, RTAs, violence, sports, and domestic abuse. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies published between 2000 and 2025 were identified using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies included children and adolescents (0–18 years) with maxillofacial trauma, with data on etiology and injury frequency. Results: Fifteen studies (meta-analyses, retrospective reviews, and systematic reviews) were included. Falls (35–55%) and RTAs (25–50%) were the most common causes of facial trauma. Domestic violence, particularly in adolescents, emerged as a critical but underreported etiology. Geographic disparities and socioeconomic factors heavily influenced trauma profiles. Conclusion: Pediatric maxillofacial trauma is largely preventable. Identifying vulnerable subgroups and understanding regional patterns are essential for designing targeted interventions. There is a need for standardized, prospective multicenter studies to support global policy recommendations.