Evaluation of Patients Treated by Facial Nerve Decompression via Transmastoid Approach for Traumatic Facial Paralysis

Objectives: Evaluate outcomes and prognosis of patients operated on for traumatic facial paralysis. Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed 20 patients with temporal bone fractures resulting in facial paralysis, who were treated by surgical facial nerve decompression with transmastoid approach from 2004 to 2012. Results: In 14 patients, HB grade improved as 1, 2, 3. Facial paralysis degree improved from preoperative average HB grade 4.95 to postoperative average HB grade 3.15. Statistically significant improvements were found in both groups where the operation was performed within 3 weeks and after 3 weeks. Conclusions: Postoperative results of facial nerve decompression in traumatic temporal bone fracture can be excellent. And as surgeons can expect better outcomes with early diagnosis and lesser nerve damage, early surgical decompression should be carried out.