Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 21, 2026
Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
Published on: March 1, 2015
Facial Nerve Reconstruction With Concurrent Masseteric Nerve Transfer and Cable Grafting
James A Owusu1, Leni Truong2, Jennifer C Kim2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor2Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston.
Importance:
Reconstruction of the facial nerve after radical parotidectomy is commonly performed with cable grafting, which is associated with slow recovery of nerve function and synkinesis.
Objective:
To describe facial nerve reconstruction after radical parotidectomy using concurrent masseteric nerve transfer and cable grafting.
Design, Setting, And Participants:
This retrospective medical record review at a tertiary referral hospital included 9 patients who underwent concurrent masseteric nerve transfer and cable grafting for facial nerve reconstruction performed by a single surgeon from January 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015. Final follow-up was completed on March 14, 2016.
Main Outcomes And Measures:
Improvement in resting facial symmetry and oral commissure excursion and synkinesis.
Results:
Nine patients (6 women; mean age, 62.6 years; age range, 51-73 years) underwent immediate facial nerve reconstruction after radical parotidectomy using concurrent cable grafting and masseteric nerve transposition. All patients had return of oral commissure motion within 2 to 7 months after surgery with good excursion and minimal synkinesis.
Conclusions And Relevance:
Masseteric nerve transposition can be combined with cable grafting to improve outcomes in facial rehabilitation after radical parotidectomy.
Level Of Evidence:
4.
