The study evaluates the incidence of inferior alveolar nerve injuries in mandibular fractures, the duration of their recovery, and the factors associated with them. Fifty-two patients with mandibular fractures involving the ramus, angle, and body regions were included in this study; the inferior alveolar nerve was examined for neurological deficit posttraumatically using sharp/blunt differentiation method, and during the follow-up period the progression of neural recovery was assessed. The incidence of neural injury of the inferior alveolar nerve was 42.3%, comminuted and displaced linear fractures were associated with higher incidence of inferior alveolar nerve injury and prolonged recovery time, and recovery of inferior alveolar nerve function occurred in 91%.Fractures of the mandible involving the ramus, angle, and body regions, and comminuted and displaced linear fractures are factors that increase the incidence of inferior alveolar nerve injuries. Missile injuries can be considered as another risk factor.

Ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the causes of persistent and progressive limitation of mouth opening. It usually requires to be corrected surgically; an intervention not without complications. This study was conducted in a central surgical hospital in Iraq (Baghdad) in the era hallmarked by shortage of nearly all facilities needed to accomplish solutions for a surgical task. The surgical procedure is displayed along with modifications, complications, and follow-up protocol. Fifteen patients (21 joints) have been treated surgically for TMJ ankylosis of different severities. All patients were treated at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Specialized Surgical Hospital-Baghdad Medical City, Iraq. The study was carried out in the period between 1998 and 2002 (inclusive). Patients' ages ranged between 4 and 52 years. In addition to the clinical diagnoses, further evaluation of the ankylosis area was assisted by the use of orthopantomography and spiral computerized scanning (axial, coronal sections, and three-dimensional views). Maximal incisal opening was registered before and after surgery for further follow-up evaluation. Al-Kayat and Bramely approach is advocated to expose the joint area. All 21 joints were operated through blind nasoendotracheal intubation general anesthesia. Computed tomography scans, wide exposures, aggressive resections, proper interposition materials, strict postoperative physiotherapy, and good family and patient compliance all may decrease the possibility of relapse and offer better results. Early management of TMJ ankylosis is important if more damage in orofacial structures and consolidation of bony union are to be avoided.

Facial trauma in children and adolescents is reported to range from 1% to 30%. Because of many anatomical, physiological, and psychological characteristics of the pediatric population, maxillofacial injuries in children should be treated with special consideration that is attributable to certain features inherent in facial growth patterns of children. This study evaluated maxillofacial injuries in 726 children in terms of incidence, patterns of injury, causes, and treatment modalities and compared these parameters among 3 pediatric age groups. Intergroup differences were analyzed using Z test for 2 populations' proportion. The results showed that the incidence of pediatric maxillofacial injuries and fractures is higher than that reported elsewhere with male predominance. Soft tissue injuries are more frequently encountered in younger individuals, whereas the incidence of skeletal injuries increases with age. This study also revealed that certain etiologies, namely road traffic accidents, violence, bicycle, missiles, and industrial injures, increase with age; on the other hand, falls and puncture wounds are more common in younger children.