Determination of facial reanimation patients who can be transferred muscle after crossfacial nerve graft

Abstract

Aims: The aim of facial reanimation isto restore facial symmetry in spontaneous, mimic, and emotional movements. One of the important reconstructive treatment options in patients with long-term facial paralysis is free muscle transfers. The first stage in two-stage muscle transfers is the cross facial nerve graft (CFNG). In this study, our aim is to investigate the importance of Tinel's sign and EMG in the selection of patients who have had CFNG due to long-term facial paralysis and who can undergo muscle transfer repair and investigate the effectiveness of these methods. Patients and Methods: Ten patients who underwent crossfacial nerve grafting for long-term facial nerve paralysis between 2012 and 2018 were prospectively included in the study. Results: No complications were observed during the operation and follow-up of the patients. The reliability of EMG is lower than the Tinel's sign when making a muscle transfer decision in patients who undergo CFNG. Conclusions: In conclusion, the etiology of facial paralysis (severity of injury in traumatic paralysis), age of patients, comorbid conditions, surgical experience, postoperative physical therapy process and patient compliance play an active role in providing reinnervation.