Recovery of Sensation Over the Distribution of the Inferior Alveolar Nerve Following Mandibular Resection Without Nerve Reconstruction.

PURPOSE

To assess the long-term recovery of sensation in the lower lip after mandibular resection without reconstruction of the inferior alveolar nerve.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty patients who had mandibular resection carried out without reconstruction of the inferior alveolar nerve were examined after an interval ranging from 6 to 33 years.

RESULTS

Only 1 patient, seen 10 years after resection, was totally numb over the distribution of the inferior alveolar nerve. The other 29 patients had some return of sensation and many had a significant return, though it may take several years to reach the final result. Utilizing the MRC scale 70% of patients achieved S3 (return of superficial cutaneous pain and tactile sensibility without over response) CONCLUSION: This study can serve as a baseline for comparison with patients who have had mandibular resection with reconstruction of the inferior alveolar nerve to assess if this procedure improves the outcomes.