Inferior alveolar nerve injuries associated with mandibular fractures
Salwan Yousif Hanna Bede1, Waleed Khaleel Ismael, Dhuha A Al-Assaf
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad Bab-Almoadham, P.O. Box 1417, Baghdad, Iraq. salwan_bede@yahoo.com
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|November 14, 2012
Summary
Inferior alveolar nerve injuries occur in 42.3% of mandibular fractures. Most patients (91%) recover, but comminuted, displaced fractures increase injury risk and prolong healing.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Mandibular fractures frequently involve the inferior alveolar nerve.
- Understanding injury incidence and recovery is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence of inferior alveolar nerve injuries in mandibular fractures.
- To determine recovery duration and associated risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Study included 52 patients with mandibular fractures (ramus, angle, body).
- Neurological deficit assessed using sharp/blunt differentiation.
- Neural recovery monitored during follow-up.
Main Results:
- Incidence of inferior alveolar nerve injury was 42.3%.
- Comminuted and displaced linear fractures showed higher injury rates and longer recovery.
- 91% of patients experienced recovery of nerve function.
Conclusions:
- Mandibular fracture location (ramus, angle, body) and fracture type (comminuted, displaced linear) are risk factors for inferior alveolar nerve injury.
- Missile injuries represent an additional risk factor.
- Early assessment and management are key for nerve recovery.
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