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Facial nerve palsy after mandibular fracture
M J Weinberg1, P Merx, O Antonyshyn
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|May 1, 1995
Summary
A rare facial nerve palsy complication occurred after jaw fracture surgery in a young man. Despite treatment for his parasymphyseal and condylar neck fractures, full facial nerve recovery was not achieved.
Area of Science:
- Trauma surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery
Background:
- Motor vehicle accidents can cause complex facial fractures.
- Surgical interventions like open reduction and internal fixation are common for parasymphyseal fractures.
- Closed reduction with maxillomandibular fixation is used for condylar neck fractures.
Observation:
- A 19-year-old male experienced right parasymphyseal and bilateral condylar neck fractures.
- Postoperatively, he developed a near-complete left facial nerve palsy.
- Full recovery of facial nerve function was not observed.
Findings:
- Facial nerve palsy is a rare complication following mandibular fracture repair.
- The exact mechanism causing this palsy in this case requires further investigation.
- Review of literature suggests potential causes related to surgical manipulation or edema.
Implications:
- This case highlights the risk of iatrogenic facial nerve injury during jaw fracture surgery.
- Awareness of this complication is crucial for surgeons and patients.
- Further research into preventative strategies and management of facial nerve palsy post-trauma surgery is warranted.