Paraesthesia of the infraorbital nerve following fracture of the zygomatic complex

Abstract

68 patients with fractures of the zygomatic complex were studied. Of these, 56 had sensory disturbances of the infraorbital nerve. 50 patients were operated on and in 42% (21) some degree of persisting hypesthesia was found. No significant difference in outcome was found between the different methods of indirect reduction used. However, in 10 out of 12 patients in which direct fixation with transosseous wiring of the infraorbital margin was performed, persisting hypesthesia was encountered. In 3 out of 4 patients where the nerve was also explored primarily, the sensation returned totally. A secondary nerve deliberation was also found to be beneficial in 4 out of 5 patients with persisting total loss of sensation.