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Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
Published on: March 1, 2015
Free Functional Muscle Transfer-Technical Considerations
1Hand Surgery Section, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Hand Surgery, Akademiska Hospital, Uppsala 751 85, Sweden.
Abstract:
Free functional muscle transfers restore voluntary motion in extremities following the loss of local muscle-tendon units. Surgeons, at various levels of expertise, need to consider several technical aspects when performing this procedure. Successful and consistent outcomes can be attained by applying a combination of basic principles, drawing from techniques developed for successful tendon transfers and microsurgical free tissue transfers. Patient preparation through counseling and intensive rehabilitation is essential to achieve the optimal conditions before the transfer.
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