Retrospective Study of Facial Nerve Injury in Temporomandibular Joint Surgeries Following Preauricular Approach

<p>Purpose The aim of the present study is to evaluate the facial nerve function following surgeries of the temporomandibular joint through preauricular approach, with the objectives of identifying the commonly affected branch of facial nerve and the time taken for resolution of weakness and occurrence of any permanent nerve damage. Methods A retrospective evaluation was done on 32 patients who reported to Mamata Dental College and Hospital, Khammam, India, from July 2010 to June 2013 who underwent various surgical procedures of temporomandibular joint through pre auricular approach. Facial nerve weakness was assessed both at rest and in function through House and Brackman Facial Nerve Grading System (HBFNGS) during 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months and 1year postoperatively and the results were summarized. Results 20 out of 32 patients had facial nerve weakness following surgery. 60% of the patients had recovered normal motor function of facial nerve 1 month postoperatively, 94.44% have regained normal function 3 months postoperatively. At 1 year post operative period all the patients (100%) have regained normal motor nerve function. Temporal and zygomatic branches were involved most commonly. Time taken for resolution of weakness was more for temporal branch. Conclusion Facial nerve weakness following preauricular approach is only temporary and most common causes are stretching and compression of the nerve. Preauricular approach is considered safe and cosmetic.</p&gt