Impact of increasing age on functioning free muscle transplantation for facial palsy reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Management of facial paralysis in older patients is controversial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of increasing age on functioning free muscle transplantation (FFMT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine facial paralysis patients over 50 years old received FFMT. A separate group of patients aged 41-50 years old were included as control. Outcome assessments included use of the SMILE evaluation system for excursion, a cortical adaptation scoring system for brain plasticity, and a subjective satisfaction assessment score. Meta-analysis of literature over the past 50 years was also performed to examine the impact of older age. RESULTS: The mean change in excursion movement was 13.39 ± 5.49 mm. Weakest excursion was found in the oldest age group (11.74 ± 4.84 mm, p = .097), in concordance with the meta-analysis. There was significant difference between the three different neurotizers (p = .036). Excursion and satisfaction score were significantly worse in the older cohort with the cross face-nerve graft FFMT. CONCLUSIONS: FFMT is a viable option in the elderly patient group but performs weaker in excursion. The choice of neurotizer is dependent on the patient's goals and the suitable age at which the benefits outweigh the risks.

Facial nerve palsy after sagittal split ramus osteotomy of the mandible: mechanism and outcomes.

PURPOSE: Facial nerve palsy after sagittal split ramus osteotomy of the mandible (SSRO) is a rare, but serious, complication. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of this complication, the possible causative mechanisms, its subsequent management, and eventual outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients who underwent SSRO of the mandible at the Craniofacial Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan, from 1981 to 2008 were included in the present study. The patients reported as having postoperative facial nerve paralysis were identified and reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 3,105 patients had undergone bilateral SSRO (6,210 sagittal splits). Of these 3,105 patients, 6 were reported as having unilateral facial nerve palsy postoperatively, for an incidence of 0.1%. One case was diagnosed as Bell's palsy. None of the patients with postoperative facial nerve palsy required surgical intervention, but all received physical therapy and medications. Complete recovery was obtained without sequela in all but 1 patient, who had incomplete frontal branch recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Most facial nerve palsies that occur after SSRO of the mandible result from neurapraxia or axonotmesis, possibly from nerve compression or traction. Complete recovery can be expected in most cases, and conservative management without surgical exploration is recommended.

Ventilation and exercise performance after phrenic nerve and multiple intercostal nerve transfers for avulsed brachial plexus injury.

BACKGROUND: Diaphragmatic excursion, lung function, exercise performance, and clinical symptoms have not been previously described in patients after phrenic nerve transfer (PNT) and/or multiple intercostal nerve transfer (MIT) for the repair of avulsed brachial plexus injury (ABPI) to prevent functional musculoskeletal impairment in the shoulder. SETTING: A university-based hospital. METHODS: Dyspnea scores, chest ultrasonography to assess diaphragmatic excursion, and pulmonary function testing were performed to assess ventilation in patients sustaining trauma to their brachial plexus. In addition, cardiopulmonary exercise testing was also performed. These studies were obtained prior to surgical intervention, and were repeated postoperatively at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months. The results obtained preoperatively were compared to those obtained throughout the postoperative monitoring period. RESULTS: This study demonstrates that the PNT-MIT procedure results in permanent ipsilateral diaphragmatic paralysis accompanied by an approximately 8% decrease in inspiratory capacity, FVC, and total lung capacity. There was also an 11% increase in diffusing capacity noted during the period between 6 months and 3 years after PNT-MIT procedure. Despite these measurable changes in lung function, the patients reported amelioration of their dyspnea complaint within 6 months of undergoing this procedure, which was due mainly to an improvement in their cardiovascular exercise performance related to increased daily activity. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the PNT-MIT procedure is a safe method for the restoration of drop shoulder incurred by ABPI. This surgery has an impact on measurable diaphragmatic and lung function but with minimal impact in terms of postoperative clinical symptoms and exercise performance.

Nipple reconstruction in Asian females using banked cartilage graft and modified top hat flap.

Nipple reconstruction is usually the final stage of breast reconstruction and there are over 50 articles that describe different techniques. The majority of methods use local soft tissue as local flaps but they face the disadvantage of reduction in nipple projection after the initial two months. This is particularly troublesome in Asian females who may have wider nipples with prominent projection but small areola surface area. We developed a method to correct this problem using cartilage graft harvested during the initial breast reconstruction operation and banked beneath the skin flap. Using the modified 'top hat' flap, we found that no excess soft tissue is required to compensate for the reduction. We have used this method in 25 cases of nipple reconstruction and have obtained satisfactory result in projection.