RECOVERY IN INFRAORBITAL NERVE FUNCTION AFTER REDUCTION AND FIXATION OF ZYGOMATICO MAXILLARY COMPLEX FRACTURE

Abstract

Background: Infraorbital nerve dysfunction is a common complication of zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures because of the close anatomical relationship between the fracture site and the infraorbital canal. Sensory disturbances, including hypoesthesia, paresthesia, and numbness, may adversely affect facial function and quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the pattern and timeline of infraorbital nerve recovery following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of ZMC fractures. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Bacha Khan College of Dentistry, Mardan Medical Complex, Pakistan, between November 2024 and May 2025. Fifty adult patients with ZMC fractures requiring ORIF were recruited using consecutive non-probability sampling. Neurosensory function was assessed preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively using standardized light-touch, pin-prick, and two-point discrimination tests. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: The mean age of the participants was 36.18 ± 11.53 years, and 40 (80.0%) were male. Road traffic accidents were the most frequent mechanism of injury (68.0%). Progressive improvement in infraorbital nerve function was observed throughout the follow-up period. At one week, 78.0% of patients had persistent sensory deficits, while 22.0% demonstrated partial recovery. By one month, 92.0% showed partial recovery. Complete neurosensory recovery was achieved in 78.0% of patients at three months and increased to 92.0% at six months. Only 4.0% of patients had persistent sensory deficits at the final follow-up. Conclusion: ORIF of ZMC fractures was associated with excellent recovery of infraorbital nerve function, with most patients achieving complete neurosensory recovery within six months. Timely anatomical reduction and stable internal fixation appear to facilitate nerve regeneration and optimize neurological outcomes, supporting ORIF as the preferred treatment for displaced ZMC fractures.