We evaluated diagnostic value of sensory tests during recovery from iatrogenic sensory neuropathy using intraoperatively verified nerve injury with subjective symptoms as gold standard.

Inferior alveolar nerves were monitored neurophysiologically throughout mandibular osteotomy in 19 patients. Sensory disturbance was registered and sensation tested using clinical and quantitative sensory (QST) and neurophysiologic tests postoperatively at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated for all tests.

The sensitivity of clinical tests was at best 37%, with 100% specificity, but they lost diagnostic value at chronic stages. Best diagnostic accuracy (highest combination of sensitivity and specificity) at different time points was achieved by combining neurophysiologic and thermal QST or tactile and thermal QST. The single most accurate test was sensory neurography.

Neurography or combinations of neurophysiologic and quantitative tests enables most reliable early and late diagnosis. Clinical sensory examination is inadequate for accurate diagnosis.