nerve repair for head and neck reconstructive surgeons

Many head and neck procedures require the resection of hard and soft tissue, including nerve tissue, which often leads to loss of nerve function and diminished quality of life.^1,2 Axogen can help head and neck surgeons restore form and function to patients with minimal morbidity and more consistent outcomes.

maxillofacial procedures

Trauma from injuries related to cuts, sharp objects, car crashes or workplace-related injuries may cause cranial nerve damage with varying degrees of nerve impairment. Likewise, many maxillofacial procedures, like mandible resection, may lead to a nerve deficit. Fortunately, there are surgical solutions available to repair the nerve and help restore sensation.

see mandible resection procedures

feeling is function. it's yours to restore.

Your skills can help restore nerve function for your patients.

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key principles

acting fast

When it comes to nerve injuries, early intervention is key. One study showed a high rate of success for trigeminal nerve microsurgery, especially when the nerve was repaired in 90 days or less from the date of injury.³

restoring sensory function

Maxillofacial procedures, such as mandible resection, require the removal of hard and soft tissue, including nerve tissue, leading to loss of neurosensory function. Immediate repair of sensory nerves at the time of resection has been shown to lead to functional sensory recovery (FSR).^4-6

valuing quality of life

Patients with permanent lingual or inferior alveolar (IAN) nerve deficits reported less life satisfaction and more symptoms of depression than those with normal nerve function.¹ Nerve repair helps restore function after damage and is a vital part of providing the best possible outcome for your patients.

more procedures

Learn more about other common procedures performed by head and neck reconstructive surgeons.

trauma

mandible resection

outcomes

adds minimal surgical time

With advance planning, sensory restoration can be integrated into the surgical plan—even for patients who may undergo treatment with radiation⁷—and adds minimal time once it becomes part of the surgical routine.

reproducible technique

Using nerve allograft provides a reproducible operative technique for inferior alveolar and lingual nerve reconstruction.⁸

89%

of adult and pediatric patients achieved FSR

89% of patients who had their IAN reconstructed with nerve allograft during benign mandible reconstruction achieved FSR within one year.⁵

Functional sensory recovery was defined as grades S3, S3+, and S4 on the Medical Research Council Scale (MRCS).

publications

Full Axogen clinical bibliography

Nerve grafting in head and neck reconstruction

Reconstructive options for inferior alveolar and lingual nerve injuries after dental and oral surgery: an evidence-based review

resources

IAN repair via buccal decortication access

IAN reconstruction in a segmental mandible resection via mandibular foramen access

IAN reconstruction in a segmental mandible resection via buccal decortication access

See our solutions

Reimbursement guides

patient materials

Understanding your surgical options brochure

Causes of nerve damage

Patient stories

life-changing experiences

“It’s not something that’s on your arm or your leg, it’s your face and that’s the first thing people see. Now I can interact with people and I don’t feel embarrassed.”

— PABLO, NERVE REPAIR PATIENT

“In the past we only thought about removing the disease and patients were often left with a sensory deficit and could have a hard time eating, drinking, kissing a loved one or even knowing if they were smiling. Today, we cannot only remove the disease but also help restore sensation by reconstructing the nerve.”

— RAMZEY TURSUN, DDS, FACS

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references

Leung YY, et al. Trigeminal neurosensory deficit and patient reported outcome measures: the effect on life satisfaction and depression symptoms. PLoS One. 2013;8(8):e72891. Published 2013 Aug 29. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0072891
Pogrel MA, et al. Long-term outcome of trigeminal nerve injuries related to dental treatment. J Oral Maxillo Surg. Sep 2011;69(9):2284-2288.
Zuniga J. Sensory outcomes after reconstruction of lingual and inferior alveolar nerve discontinuities using processed nerve allograft—A case series. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. Apr 2015;73(4):734-44.
Salomon D, et al. Outcomes of immediate allograft reconstruction of long-span defects of the inferior alveolar nerve. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. Dec 2016;74(12):2507-2514.
Zuniga JR, et al. A case-and-control, multi-site, positive controlled, prospective study of the safety and effectiveness of immediate inferior alveolar nerve processed nerve allograft reconstruction with ablation of the mandible for benign pathology. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. Dec. 2017;75(12):2669-2681.
Miloro M, et al. Does immediate inferior alveolar nerve allograft reconstruction result in functional sensory recovery in pediatric patients? J Oral Maxillofac Surg. Nov 2020;78(11):2073-2079.
Kaplan J, et al. Sensory outcomes for inferior alveolar nerve reconstruction with allograft following free fibula mandible reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2023;152(3):499e-506e. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000010286
Ducic I, et al. Reconstructive options for inferior alveolar and lingual nerve injuries after dental and oral surgery: an evidence-based review. Ann Plast Surg. Jun 2019;82(6):653-660.