Infraorbital Foramen Decompression Surgery for the Infraorbital Nerve Hypoesthesia in Patients With Isolated Fracture of Maxillary Sinus Anterior Wall

Isolated fracture of maxillary sinus anterior wall is relatively uncommon. If the extent of fracture is minimal, only conservative care is amenable, however, there is no agreement on whether infraorbital nerve dysfunction can be used as an indication for surgical intervention. This study was conducted to verify the effect of decompression surgery of infraorbital foramen for recovery of hypoesthesia. A total of 26 patients with unilateral fracture of maxillary sinus anterior wall were enrolled. Ten who received only conservative therapy were allocated in the control group, while sixteen patients were assigned to the decompression group. Pre- and post-treatment sensory assessment using visual analogue scale (VAS) was recorded. Overall treatment satisfaction was also evaluated by means of global assessment scale (GAS). Both absolute VAS value and score increment showed statistical difference only at 4 weeks (P = 0.010 and P = 0.021, respectively), but no significant difference at 1, 12, and 24 weeks. GAS score also showed no statistical significance (P = 0.386). Decompression surgery of infraorbital foramen does not have a significant effect on hypoesthesia recovery in isolated fracture of maxillary sinus anterior wall. Therefore, it is not recommended to perform the operation when the infraorbital nerve hypoesthesia is the only indication for the open reduction.