Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Zygomatic complex fractures are the second most common facial fractures. Neurosensory disturbances of the infraorbital nerve are common following zygomatic complex fractures. Fracture complexity and displacement of fracture segments can cause neurosensory disturbances of the infraorbital nerve following zygomatic complex fractures. Therefore, fractures of the zygomatic complex are characterized by sensory neuropathy in the area of innervations of the infraorbital nerve as a presenting symptom. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the neurosensory disturbances of infraorbital nerve in zygomatic complex fractures and to evaluate whether the lag time between injury and treatment has an effect on the neurosensory disturbance of infraorbital nerve. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A total of thirty-one patients with unilateral zygomatic complex fractures who complained of neurosensory disturbance in the region of the infraorbital nerve innervation were included in the study. All the patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation and were evaluated for neurosensory disturbance of the infraorbital nerve by two-point discrimination test, brush stroke and self-report score of paraesthesia on the injured side as well as the contralateral side preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULT: A total of thirty-one patients with unilateral zygomatic complex fracture were evaluated for neurosensory disturbance of the infraorbital nerve. Thirty patients could detect the true direction of the brush stroke, and 1 patient could not detect it postoperatively. The mean difference of two-point discrimination was 0.574 cm vertically and 0.523 cm horizontally, and with every one-day delay in treatment, there was an increase in the incidence of self-report paresthesia by 0.66 times. CONCLUSION: Delay in the treatment of zygomatic complex fracture does have an effect on the neurosensory disturbance of the infraorbital nerve.