Long-Term Outcomes of Management of Inferior Alveolar Neuropathy Following Orthognatic Surgeries in Patients with Mandibular Anomalies and Deformities

Abstract

Introduction. Orthognatic surgery is a routine method to manage mandibular anomalies and deformities. Objective: To assess long-term outcomes of rhythmic peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) in patients with neuropathy of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) resulting from the surgical treatment of mandibular anomalies and deformities. Materials and methods. The study included 8 males and 16 females aged 32 ± 12 years with IAN neuropathy following the surgical treatment of mandibular anomalies and deformities. Therapeutic rPMS was performed with the Neuro-MS magnetic stimulator (Neurosoft, Ivanovo, Ivanovo Region, Russian Federation). Trigeminal and brainstem acoustic evoked potentials (EPs) were registered with Neuro-MVP (Neurosoft) to assess rPMS both at baseline (in 10 days) and in long term (in 18 ± 2 months). Results. Sensory disorders and pain prevailed in postoperative IAN neuropathy. Sensory disorders improved in 20 patients following 10-day rPMS. The clinical effect persisted in re-assessment. In long term, acoustic brainstem EPs normalized and trigeminal EPs did not change negatively. Conclusion. The use of rPMS in IAN neuropathy following orthognatic surgeries contributes to the functional improvement and stabilization of the peripheral and central brainstem and the trigeminal system.