J Korean Assoc Maxillofac Plast Reconstr Surg.  2003 Nov;25(6):578-583.

Facial nerve palsy after bilateral sagittal split osteotomies: report of 2 cases

• Kim JR
• Jung TY
• Kim YD
• Byun JH

Abstract

Facial nerve palsy following a sagittal osteotomy is a rare but serious complications. In the event of postoperative facial paralysis, careful clinical and neurophysiological investigation of facial function is mandatory at the earliest possible moment. A distinction between conduction block and irreversible degeneration of the nerve can be made by nerve excitability tests and electromyography. It is of the importance to determine if the palsy is already present immediately after surgery or starts at some later time. In the latter case, the continuity of the nerve is intact and immediate treatment is not necessary. However, in the event of complete facial palsy immediately after surgery, loss of continuity of the nerve is most probable. Surgical exploration is then indicated in order to restore nerve continuity. The case histories of 2 patients are presented, and the etiology, diagnosis, treatment of this complication are discussed.

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis
Electromyography
Facial Nerve*
Facial Paralysis
Humans
Osteotomy*
Paralysis*