Our experience with Freilinger's method for dynamic correction of facial paralysis

Area of Science:

• Reconstructive surgery
• Facial nerve repair
• Microsurgery

Background:

• Unilateral facial paralysis significantly impacts quality of life.
• Restoring facial symmetry and function is a key surgical goal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of Freilinger's method for treating unilateral facial paralysis.
• To evaluate the use of cross-face nerve grafting combined with a denervated muscle flap transposition.

Main Methods:

• Eight patients with unilateral facial paralysis underwent Freilinger's method.
• This involved cross-face nerve grafting followed by transposition of a denervated temporal muscle flap.

Main Results:

• The combined approach of cross-face nerve grafting and muscle flap transposition is a viable surgical principle.
• The temporal muscle, while functional, may not be optimal due to limited excursion and denervation difficulty.

Conclusions:

• Freilinger's method offers a valid reconstructive option for facial paralysis.
• Future improvements may involve utilizing muscles with greater excursion and easier denervation for better functional outcomes.