Immediate inferior alveolar nerve reconstruction: Improving warfighter quality of life following mandibulectomy or traumatic avulsion of the mandible.

BACKGROUND: Mandibular reconstruction has historically been challenging due to the complex, highly functional, and esthetic nature of the anatomy. The most common etiologies of these defects requiring resection include trauma, benign tumors, and malignant pathology. Mandibular defects have been treated with little consideration for neural reconstruction, leaving patient's orally incompetent with associated social stigma. Although recent advances in reconstructive techniques improve oral rehabilitation, immediate inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) reconstruction has not been widely adapted.

OBJECTIVE: Here-in we seek to discuss the innovations of neural reconstruction of large segment mandibular defects and associated IAN defects and present an example case performed at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD).

METHODS: Pertinent literature discussing maxillofacial reconstruction and nerve repair using autogenous nerve harvest and allograft was queried from available online resources.

RESULTS: Six patients have received immediate reconstruction of the IAN using processed nerve allograft over the past three years. All obtained sensation to S3 within six months of surgery.

CONCLUSION: IAN repair using nerve allografts in conjunction with free flap reconstruction for large mandibular defects is a viable treatment and should be the new paradigm in maxillofacial reconstruction as it provides substantial quantifiable and qualitative improvements in social, functional, and esthetic outcomes of care.