Pattern of The Buccal Branch of Facial Nerve Among A Sample of Sudanese Subjects: A Multicenters Study

Background: Among different races, the intra parotideal course of the facial nerve is very variable. Familiarity with the buccal branch pattern types have a paramount importance for meticulous manipulation and avoidance of nerve injury. This study aimed to describe the pattern of the buccal branch of facial nerve among a sample of Sudanese subjects.

Methodology: A total of 90 facial nerves were dissected, [40 cadavers (bilateral) and 10 patients (unilateral)]. Out of these 50 cases, 41 were males (37 cadavers and 4 patients) and 9 were females (3 cadavers & 6 patients). Forty-six (51%) were left and 44 (49%) were right facial nerves. Photographs of intraparotideal distributions of each buccal branch were taken.

Results: The pattern of the buccal branch of the facial nerve was found as follows twenty-nine cases (32.2%) were Type I, 14 cases were right and 15 were left. The most prevalent pattern was Type II, 39 cases (43.3%), 23 of the cases were right and 16 cases were left. According to gender, Type I and II were the most prevalent types among males in 36 cases and 25 cases respectively. Type IV was the most common types among females accounting for 5 cases. There was similarity between both sides in relation to the most common pattern of buccal nerve branch.

Conclusion: Its fundamental to the oral and maxillofacial surgeons to have a wide exposure and detailed anatomical knowledge regarding the pattern topography of the buccal branch of the facial nerve and its relation to the parotid duct, as the facial nerve branches injury could lead to annoying poor self-image and frustrating difficult interaction.