Inferior alveolar nerve function after open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular fractures

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Mandibular fractures are common facial injuries.
• Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a standard treatment.
• Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury is a frequent complication of mandibular fractures and ORIF.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the incidence and outcomes of mental nerve hypoesthesia after ORIF for mandibular fractures.
• To evaluate factors influencing IAN injury and recovery.
• To assess the impact of IAN injury on patients' quality of life.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 340 patients undergoing ORIF for mandibular fractures (2004-2010).
• Data collection included demographic, pre-operative, peri-operative, and post-operative information.
• Statistical analysis using the chi-squared test and Kruskal-Wallis test.

Main Results:

• 27% of patients had pre-operative hypoesthesia; 46% had post-operative hypoesthesia.
• Complete recovery occurred in 70% of cases; partial recovery in 20%.
• Permanent IAN damage (>12 months) occurred in less than 10% of patients.

Conclusions:

• IAN injury is a significant concern in mandibular fractures and ORIF.
• Mental nerve hypoesthesia can affect quality of life.
• Despite potential for nerve damage, a high recovery rate is observed.