Transoral inferior alveolar neurorrhaphy via a sagittally split mandible.
A surgical technique for transoral exposure and secondary repair of the inferior alveolar nerve via a sagittally split mandible is described. The use of this approach in certain individuals enables the maxillofacial surgeon to perform a minor resection and re-anastomosis or major resection and autogenous grafting. This procedure provides adequate exposure for re-anastomosis of minor inferior alveolar nerve injuries under minimal tension and without a facial scar. However, postoperative intermaxillary fixation is required for four to six weeks.
D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D008340:Mandibular Nerve / Q000601:surgery*; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods; D013536:Suture Techniques