Efficacy of electronic devices as distraction during cosmetic suturing for pediatric facial trauma

This study investigated the role of electronic devices in the plastic suture of facial trauma in children. From July 2023 to March 2024, the clinical data of children who received post-traumatic face plastic sutures were retrospectively studied. They were divided into groups based on whether they viewed mobile phone videos during suturing. Group A viewed their favorite video while suturing, but group B did not. They were divided into 4 age groups: 0 to 3 years, 4 to 6 years, 7 to 9 years, and 10 to 15 years. The suture time and number of assistants required were recorded, as well as the children’s level of coordination and the doctors’ satisfaction with the suture effect. A total of 150 children were included. Baseline age differed significantly between the video and non-video groups among children aged 0 to 3, 7 to 9, and 10 to 15 years ( P < .05). Among children aged 4 to 6 and 7 to 9 years, those in the video group required fewer assistants, had shorter suturing times, and showed higher cooperation rates than those in the non-video group (all P < .05). These outcomes did not differ significantly between the video and non-video groups among children aged 0 to 3 or 10 to 15 years (all P > .05). Physician satisfaction did not differ significantly between the video and non-video groups in any age stratum (all P > .05). Within both groups, physician satisfaction was higher in children aged 4 to 15 years than in those aged 0 to 3 years (all P < .05). For facial trauma in children aged 4 to 9 years old, electronic devices can improve the degree of cooperation, shorten the suture time, reduce the number of assistants, and improve the clinical outcome.