A prospective, quantitative study on the clinical outcome of lingual nerve repair

We previously showed in laboratory studies that the most effective method for repair of damaged lingual nerves was by excision of the neuroma, mobilization of the stumps, and direct reapposition with epineurial sutures. We have now undertaken a prospective study in a series of 53 patients treated by this method and have evaluated the outcome by quantifying and comparing the results of tests of sensation before and after operation. The outcome in individual patients was variable. However, pooled data from all patients showed a highly significant improvement in sensation at the final assessment 12 months or more after the repair. The proportion of patients who responded to most or all light touch stimuli increased from 0% to 51% after repair, and the proportion who responded to pin-prick stimuli increased from 34% to 77%. There was no correlation between the final results of any of the tests and the delay before repair. None of the patients regained completely normal sensation and there was no reduction in the number with spontaneous paraesthesia or pain. However, fewer patients tended to bite the tongue by accident and most of them considered the operation worthwhile. These data show that lingual nerve repair is effective in most patients and we suggest that it should be offered to all those who show few signs of spontaneous recovery after injury.