The Facial Nerve Injury After Temporomandibular Joint Surgery after Endaural Approach with Sharp Dissection.

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Anatomy

Background:

• Surgical approaches to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) have evolved to enhance outcomes.
• Key goals include improved surgical access, aesthetic results, and minimized neurovascular complications.
• Facial nerve injury remains a significant concern in TMJ surgical procedures.

Observation:

• This retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated the rate of facial nerve injury.
• The specific surgical technique analyzed was the endaural approach utilizing sharp dissection.
• The study focused on patients undergoing temporomandibular joint surgery.

Findings:

• The endaural approach with sharp dissection was associated with a low rate of facial nerve paresis.
• This specific technique appears to offer a favorable safety profile regarding facial nerve integrity.
• The case series provides evidence supporting the efficacy of this method.

Implications:

• The findings suggest the endaural approach with sharp dissection is a viable option for TMJ surgery.
• This technique may help reduce the risk of temporary or permanent facial nerve damage.
• Further research could validate these results in larger cohorts and compare outcomes with other surgical approaches.