Inferior alveolar nerve dysfunction in mandibular fractures: a prospective cohort study.
Chandan S N1, Sujeeth Kumar Shetty1, Sahith Kumar Shetty1
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, JSS Dental College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, India.
Summary
Inferior alveolar nerve dysfunction (IAND) is common in mandibular fractures, particularly body and angle types. Severity significantly reduces within six months, though some dysfunction persists.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Mandibular fractures frequently cause inferior alveolar nerve dysfunction (IAND).
- Assessing IAND prevalence and recovery is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and recovery rates of inferior alveolar nerve dysfunction (IAND) in patients with mandibular fractures.
- To analyze IAND severity and resolution over time.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study involving 232 patients with 293 mandibular fractures distal to the mandibular foramen.
- Preoperative and serial postoperative neurosensory testing (1 day to 9 months) to assess IAND.
- Categorization of IAND severity (mild, moderate, severe).
Main Results:
- Overall IAND prevalence was 56.3% in fractures distal to the mandibular foramen.
- Body (95.9%) and angle (90.1%) fractures showed higher IAND incidence than symphysis (27.6%).
- Significant IAND severity reduction occurred between 1 and 6 months; 23.9% still had IAND at 6 months.
Conclusions:
- IAND severity decreases notably within the first six months post-fracture.
- Longer follow-up periods are needed to fully understand IAND recovery patterns.
