Frequency of peripheral nerve injury in oral and maxillofacial trauma

Abstract

Objective: To assess the peripheral nerve injury incidence among patients suffering from oral and maxillofacial trauma.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study included 100 patients presenting with maxillofacial trauma to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from 13^th July 2024 to 12^th January 2025. Data regarding demographics, etiology of trauma, site of injury, fracture type, and presence of peripheral nerve injury were collected. Trigeminal, facial, and concurrent nerve injuries were assessed clinically. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate associations between nerve injuries and clinical variables.

Results: The mean age of participants was 32.5 ± 11.4 years, with males comprising 72% of the sample. Road traffic accidents were the leading cause of trauma (54%), followed by assault (22%) and falls (12%). Peripheral nerve injury was present in 18% of patients. Trigeminal nerve injury occurred in 14%, facial nerve injury in 4%, and combined nerve injury in 2% of cases. A significant association was found between the presence of fractures and nerve injury (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Peripheral nerve injuries are a notable complication of oral and maxillofacial trauma account for 18% of patients, with trigeminal nerve involvement being more frequent than facial nerve injury.