Facial nerve function following temporomandibular joint surgery using the preauricular approach

Sixty-eight patients (83 temporomandibular joints) consecutively operated on who had a variety of temporomandibular joint operations using a preauricular approach were assessed for facial nerve function following surgery. Nine patients (10.84%) showed signs of facial nerve injury in which the temporal and zygomatic branches were involved. The incidence of facial nerve injury was greater in patients who had undergone previous temporomandibular joint surgery (17.64%) than in patients with previously unoperated joints (9%). Normal facial nerve function returned in 9 to 14 weeks except in one patient who showed a mild deficit of the zygomatic branch at 20 weeks. The nature and duration of the surgical procedure did not correlate with facial nerve injury. Scarring of tissues as a result of previous temporomandibular joint surgery may significantly increase the risk of facial nerve injury during subsequent temporomandibular joint surgery.