EVALUATION OF SENSORIMOTOR NERVE DAMAGE IN PATIENTS WITH MAXILLOFACIAL TRAUMA

Abstract

Objective:
To determine the prevalence and clinical patterns of sensorimotor nerve damage in patients with maxillofacial trauma using standardized neurosensory evaluation.
Methodology:
This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at LUMHS,Jamshoro (2024–2025), including 231 patients aged ≥18 years with confirmed maxillofacial trauma.Demographic and clinical data were recorded, and sensorimotor nerve function was assessed using standardized neurosensory tests, including light touch, two-point discrimination, pinprick, directional brush stroke, thermal testing and facial motor evaluation.Data were analysed using SPSS 26 with Chi-square tests, considering p ≤ 0.05 significant.
Results:
The mean age of patients was noted as 32.4±11.0 years;64.5%female), several complications showed significant demographic patterns.Patients >30 years experienced most intraoperative root fractures (87.5%,p=0.021) and all tuberosity fractures (p=0.046).They also accounted for all cases of haemorrhage (p=0.010), most postoperative pain (85.7%,p=0.041) and nearly all delayed wound healing (93.8%,p<0.001).Gender differences were also evident with males showing more intraoperative and postoperative issues, while delayed healing was more frequent among females (p=0.036).
Conclusion:
The findings of this study indicate that sensorimotor nerve damage is a notable outcome of maxillofacial trauma and is strongly influenced by patient age and gender.Older male patients experienced a higher burden of intraoperative and postoperative complications,while delayed wound healing was significantly high in female patients.These results highlight the importance of early neurosensory evaluation and individualized management to support timely recovery.
Keywords:
Nerve conduction, Maxillofacial injuries, Neurosensory disorders,Trigeminal nerve injuries