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Influence in infraorbital foramen involvement on the cheek in maxillary fractures: a prospective observational study
Dong Wan Kim1, Ho Jun Lee1, Jun Ho Choi1
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.
Background:
Infraorbital nerve dysfunction frequently occurs after maxillary fractures. This study aimed to determine whether maxillary fractures involving the infraorbital foramen affect the recovery of infraorbital nerve function.
Methods:
In this prospective study, 60 patients who received treatment for unilateral maxillary fractures between January 2020 and December 2022 were analyzed, with a follow-up period of over 1 year. Computed tomography scans were employed to categorize the fractures into three types according to the location of the fracture line relative to the infraorbital foramen. Sensory changes in four predetermined areas, supplied by the infraorbital nerve, were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year postoperatively using the two-point discrimination test and the monofilament test.
Results:
Paresthesia was observed in all patients with maxillary fractures. In the majority of instances, sensory deficits resolved spontaneously within 1 year. However, in patients whose fracture lines encroached upon the infraorbital foramen, the severity of paralysis was greater, and the rates of recovery were slower.
Conclusion:
The degree of infraorbital nerve function after a maxillary fracture was influenced by the involvement of the infraorbital foramen. Therefore, in the management of patients with maxillary fractures, computed tomography scans can serve as a predictive tool for the potential severity of paresthesia and the anticipated recovery rate.
