Is a deep subfascial approach better than the subfascial apporach to temporo-mandibular joint in terms of facial nerve injury and quality of life?

Abstract Purpose The objective of the study was to compare the deep subfascial approach to subfascial approach in terms of facial nerve injury and quality of life. Materials and methods A randomized study was performed from August 2013 to March 2017 on 24 patients with unilateral TMJ ankylosis. The subjects were randomly allotted to either Group I (12, Deep Subfascial) or Group II (12, Subfascial). All patients were evaluated objectively for facial nerve injury post-operatively and subjectively for quality of life in the form of a questionnaire post-operatively for 6 months. The data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics, mean standard deviation, Wilcoxon paired t test, Friedman's test, and Mann Whitney U test. Results The comparison of the difference between the groups for postoperative facial nerve function at various time intervals did not give any significant differences (p > 0.05). In terms of quality of life there was a significant difference at 1 month post-operatively (p   0.05). Conclusion The study reveals that both the approaches are safe in terms of facial nerve injury and quality of life long term.