ARTICLE TYPE : SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Published on : 05 Sep 2026,
Volume - 2
Journal Title :
WebLog Journal of Head and Neck Surgery
| WebLog J Head Neck Surg
| WJHNS
Source URL:
https://weblogoa.com/articles/wjhns.2026.i0502
Permanent Identifier (DOI) :
Neonatal and Pediatric Head and Neck Trauma: A Comprehensive Review and Systematic Evidence Synthesis (1965–2026)
2Pediatric Emergency Department, Shree Swaminarayan Vishwa Mangal Gurukul PSM Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
3Department of Pediatric Surgery, Evelina Children’s Hospital, London, United Kingdom
4Department of Pediatric Surgery, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, United Kingdom
5Lincoln Uni College, 2, Jalan Stadium, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
6J. Watumull Global Hospital & Research Centre, Delwara Road, Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India
7Department of Pediatric Surgery, PGICHR and KTCGUH, Rajkot, Gujarat, India
8Director-Professor, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Child Health and Research and K T Children Government University Teaching Hospital, Rajkot, Gujarat, India
Abstract
Background: Neonatal and pediatric head and neck trauma presents unique diagnostic and management challenges due to anatomical immaturity, age specific injury patterns, and evolving mechanisms of trauma. Early literature highlighted the vulnerability of the pediatric airway and craniofacial skeleton, while contemporary studies emphasise imaging-based evaluation and multidisciplinary care.
Objective: To synthesise historical and contemporary evidence on neonatal and pediatric head and neck trauma, with a focus on airway injury, craniofacial trauma, and penetrating neck injury.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from 1965-2026. Eligible studies described mechanisms, injury patterns, diagnostic modalities, or management strategies in children aged 0-18 years.
Results: Twenty-five high quality studies met inclusion criteria. Airway injury remains the most critical determinant of morbidity, consistent with foundational work from the 1970s and 1990s. Craniofacial fractures demonstrate age specific patterns influenced by skeletal development. Penetrating neck trauma requires zone-based assessment guided by haemodynamic stability, with CT angiography now central to evaluation. Across all domains, early airway control, structured assessment, and multidisciplinary coordination were associated with improved outcomes.
Conclusion: Pediatric head and neck trauma demands early recognition, systematic evaluation, and coordinated specialist involvement. Despite advances in imaging and airway management, gaps persist in early diagnosis and standardised care pathways. Future research should prioritise multicentre prospective studies, AI assisted imaging, and harmonised trauma protocols.
Keywords: Pediatric Trauma; Neonatal Airway; Craniofacial Injury; Penetrating Neck Trauma; Airway Management; Systematic Review
Citation
More AB, Govani PS, Khatri LK, Zaparackaite I, More BB, Singh SJ, et al. Neonatal and Pediatric Head and Neck Trauma: A Comprehensive Review and Systematic Evidence Synthesis (1965–2026). WebLog J Head Neck Surg. wjhns.2026.i0502. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22647033