Evaluation of Postoperative Sensory and Motor Deficit Following Craniomaxillofacial Reconstruction Using Bicoronal Flap: An Evaluative Study

INTRODUCTION: The ideal surgical approach to treat craniomaxillofacial skeleton should provide maximum exposure of the facial skeleton, ensure less potential for injury to facial structures and allow for good cosmetic result. Several designs have been described such as hemicoronal, preauricular, lateral eyebrow, and bicoronal approach. Although the bicoronal flap gives superior long-term cosmetic results, it has a few disadvantages. We conducted this study to assess neurosensory disturbances and motor deficit following craniomaxillofacial reconstruction using bicoronal flap. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was carried out in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, North Karnataka, India. Forty patients with craniomaxillofacial trauma requiring fixation of fracture or reconstruction were included in the study. Postoperative neurosensory evaluation is carried out at intervals of 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months clinically using mechanoreceptive and nociceptive testing. RESULTS: Among 40 cases, 11 (27.5%) had postoperative paraesthesia affecting the supraorbital region; 9 (22.5%) of them had return of normal sensation within 6 months and 2 (5%) patients became normal after one year. Four patients had unilateral frontalis weakness on the right side for a period of 6 months. DISCUSSION: The bicoronal flap is a preferred approach for access to the craniofacial skeleton and orbit with minimal sensory and motor complications. However, before choosing the same, the advantage of raising such a wide flap should be weighted comparing the benefits and complications.