Associate Professor, Program Director Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia
Iatrogenic facial nerve injury (IFNI) and resultant palsy can have devastating effects on a patient’s quality of life. IFNI not only effects functional and esthetic aspects of the face but also results in a significant emotional and social impact. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery has been associated with the highest incidence of iatrogenic facial nerve injury among OMS procedures. Approaches used to access the TMJ also are used to access the condyle in traumatic injuries as well as management of pathology. This high-stakes situation may make a surgeon avoid an open surgical approach despite improved outcomes as opposed to a non-surgical approach. This session highlights the essential elements from a surgical standpoint to help avoid IFNI.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants should be able to:
Review clinically relevant anatomy of the facial nerve.
Discuss the high-risk sites and procedures for iatrogenic facial nerve injury.
Explain the intraoperative precautions to help avoid iatrogenic facial nerve injury.
