Motor Nerve Reconstruction of the Facial Nerve

Jeffrey T. Gu, Natalie A. Krane, Myriam Loyo, Allison Slijepcevic, Mark K. Wax

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Facial palsy, a disorder in which movement of the muscles innervated by the facial nerve are negatively impacted, is a devastating condition with functional and aesthetic consequences and is often associated with depression, social isolation, and poor quality of life. Facial expression plays an essential role in human communication by allowing us to convey emotions and provide nonverbal cues. Facial asymmetry from facial palsy may lead to displays of incongruent emotional expression, which may be misinterpreted and make social interaction more challenging. Functionally, facial palsy may significantly impair eyelid closure secondary to paralytic lagophthalmos, result in collapse of the external nasal valve causing nasal obstruction, and impair oral competence and speech. Reanimation of facial expression may be achieved by restoring continuity of the nerve-muscle network using techniques for nerve repair, by facilitating neurotization of the distal facial nerve, or via techniques to restore muscular action through muscle transfer. In this chapter, we provide a framework of options for motor nerve reconstruction of the facial nerve to restore form and function. Discussion of repair options is organized by defect size and extent and varies from primary repair of the transected nerve to cable graft repair of the resected nerve, different nerve transfers, and free muscle transfer for reanimation of the paralyzed face.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAdvancements and Innovations in OMFS, ENT, and Facial Plastic Surgery
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages441-459
Number of pages19
ISBN (Electronic)9783031320996
ISBN (Print)9783031320989
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2023

Keywords

  • Cable grafting
  • Cross facial nerve graft
  • Facial nerve
  • Facial palsy
  • Facial palsy
  • Facial reanimation
  • Facial reanimation
  • Facial rehabilitation
  • Gracilis free muscle transfer
  • Masseteric nerve transfer
  • Motor nerve reconstruction
  • Nerve transfer

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine
  • General Dentistry

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