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Quantitative facial motion analysis after functional free muscle reanimation procedures
P J Johnson1, A Bajaj-Luthra, R Llull
1Division of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Maxillofacial Surgery Facial Nerve Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pa, USA.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|December 11, 1997
Summary
Functional free muscle transfer successfully restored facial motion in patients with chronic facial paralysis. A new quantitative method, the maximum static response assay, objectively measured significant improvements in smile movement post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Facial Nerve Surgery
- Biomechanical Analysis
Background:
- Chronic facial paralysis significantly impacts quality of life.
- Functional free muscle transfer is a surgical option for facial reanimation.
- Objective assessment of facial motion recovery is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the success of functional free muscle transfer in chronic facial paralysis.
- To utilize the maximum static response assay for quantitative assessment.
- To compare postoperative motion with preoperative and control data.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of six patients undergoing functional free muscle transfer.
- Application of the maximum static response assay pre- and post-operatively.
- Analysis of modiolus movement vectors (direction and magnitude) during smile.
Main Results:
- Reanimated sides showed a significant improvement in vector direction towards an anatomic smile (p=0.01).
- Average vector magnitude on reanimated sides improved significantly from 2.8 mm to 4.9 mm (p=0.02).
- The maximum static response assay demonstrated objective, measurable recovery of facial motion.
Conclusions:
- Functional free muscle transfer achieves anatomic recovery of motion in most patients with chronic facial paralysis.
- The maximum static response assay is a reliable tool for objective evaluation of facial reanimation outcomes.