Related Experiment Videos
Facial muscle reanimation using the trigeminal motor nerve: an experimental study in the rabbit
W L Frydman1, L B Heffez, S L Jordan
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Illinois, College of Dentistry, Chicago 60612.
Abstract:
Surgical repair of facial nerve deficits may be marred by lack of muscle control and donor region paresis. Using New Zealand white rabbits, a study was undertaken to evaluate facial muscle reanimation with a donor source not previously used: the motor division of the trigeminal nerve. The results were compared with the severed facial nerve and hypoglossal-facial coaptation. An atrophy scale was calibrated for facial muscles of the rabbit. Clinical, electromyographic, and histomorphometric findings confirmed that the trigeminal nerve was a suitable donor source. The neurorrhaphy produced an exponential rate of repair.