[Evaluation of inferior alveolar nerve function with trigeminal somatosensory evoked potential during mandibular
Qiufei Xie1, Zhaohui Yang, Xiaoxia Wang
1Research Laboratory of Masticatory function, Peking University School of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China.
Objective:
To assess sensory function of inferior alveolar nerve in monkeys with mandibular distraction osteogenesis by use of trigeminal somatosensory evoked potential (TSEP).
Method:
Seven young monkeys, 4 approximately 6 kg, were undergone a 13.5 mm bilateral or right-side mandibular lengthening with mandibular angle osteotomy and intraoral bone-born appliance. The inferior alveolar nerve function was assessed with TSEP before surgery, at the completion of distraction, and after four weeks of fixation.
Results:
No significant differences in latencies and amplitudes of TSEP between the left and right inferior alveolar nerves before surgery. At the completion of distraction, latencies of TSEP showed significant elongation (P < 0.01, P < 0.001) and amplitudes also significantly decreased (P < 0.001). After four weeks of fixation, various degrees of TSEP recovery were identified. The latencies and the amplitude were slightly improved.
Conclusions:
Mandibular distraction osteogenesis affects sensory function of inferior alveolar nerves in studied monkeys evaluated with SEP, but recovery is observed four weeks after surgery.
