Relation of Mandibular Canal Discontinuity and IAN Paresthesia in Operated Cases of Mandibular Fracture.

INTRODUCTION: Mandibular fractures are common in maxillofacial trauma, often requiring surgical intervention for optimal recovery. One critical concern during such procedures is the potential for nerve damage, specifically involving the mandibular canal. This study aims to investigate whether the presence of postoperative mandibular canal discontinuity is associated with an increased risk of nerve damage.

METHODOLOGY: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 72 postoperative mandibular fracture patients. In total, 58 patients had entire mandibular canal continuity, while 14 showed discontinuity. Clinical records and follow-up data were examined to assess the occurrence of nerve injury. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the significance of any correlation.

RESULTS: Of the 14 patients with mandibular canal discontinuity, 9 (64.28%) exhibited paresthesia. In patients where mandibular canal continuity was maintained, 5 (8.62%) patients reported paresthesia. These results suggest a higher incidence of paresthesia in patients with mandibular canal discontinuity, albeit with a small sample size. Notably, only 3 patients in the discontinuity group did not show any sign of improvement, while the remaining patients in both groups demonstrated complete recovery in 6 months of follow-up period.

DISCUSSION: The findings suggest a potential link between mandibular canal discontinuity and an increased risk of paresthesia in postoperative mandibular fracture patients. It is hypothesized that discontinuity may lead to nerve compression, irritation, or direct damage during healing. The observed complete recovery in most patients, including those with paresthesia, highlights the potential for the nervous system to repair itself over a period of time. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to establish a more definitive correlation.

CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary evidence that mandibular canal discontinuity may contribute to a higher incidence of paresthesia in postoperative mandibular fracture patients. Clinicians should be cautious when addressing mandibular fractures to minimize the risk of nerve damage, particularly in cases involving canal discontinuity. The encouraging trend of complete recovery among the majority of patients suggests a positive prognosis for nerve healing.