Evaluation of Neurosensory Changes in the Infraorbital Nerve following Zygomatic Fractures

To evaluate the incidence and recovery of persistent sensory disturbances of the infraorbital (IO) nerve after isolated zygomatic complex fractures with various treatment methods.

The study was inclusive of isolated unilateral zygomatic complex fractures and fractures of IO rim .Tests performed were Pin prick and Electrical detection threshold test. The evaluation was done preoperatively, after 1 month and after 6 months of surgery. The results suggested that neurosensory disturbance was present in all the patients with zygomatic complex fractures. At 1 month post-operatively some sensory deficit was present in all the patients on the affected side. After 6 months all the patients showed near to normal improvement comparable to normal side.

Study shows that earlier the surgical intervention, more the recovery of the nerve injury is appreciable during the 1 and 6  months follow up period.