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Donor nerve selection in facial reanimation surgery
Michael Klebuc1, Saleh M Shenaq
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.
Seminars in Plastic Surgery
|June 25, 2010
Summary
Facial paralysis can be surgically treated using cranial nerves. Understanding donor nerve strengths and weaknesses is key to selecting the best option for facial reanimation.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Plastic Surgery
- Facial Reanimation
Background:
- Surgical rehabilitation of facial paralysis relies on motor components of cranial nerves.
- Nerve donor sites differ in motor power, functional deficit, and synergy with facial expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze donor nerve options for surgical facial paralysis rehabilitation.
- To evaluate technical modifications and the role of the masseter nerve.
Main Methods:
- Review of cranial nerve donor sites for facial reanimation.
- Analysis of nerve characteristics: motor power, functional deficit, synergy.
- Examination of technical modifications and masseter nerve utilization.
Main Results:
- Donor nerve selection is critical and depends on individual nerve characteristics.
- Technical modifications can minimize donor site morbidity.
- The masseter nerve presents a viable option for facial reinnervation.
Conclusions:
- Informed selection of cranial nerve donors optimizes outcomes for facial paralysis surgery.
- Minimizing donor site morbidity and exploring novel donors like the masseter nerve are important advancements.
