Neurotization Preferences in Smile Reanimation: A Discrete Choice Experiment.

BACKGROUND: Common donor nerve options in smile reanimation include ipsilateral trigeminal motor or contralateral facial nerve branches. Neurotization preference may be influenced by multiple factors, whose relative importance remains poorly understood. In this article, decision-making in smile reanimation is assessed using a stated preference model. METHODS: Qualitative interviews with facial palsy patients identified five relevant attributes for study: smile type ("smile when biting" versus "smile spontaneously" as proxies for trigeminal versus cross-facial neurotization), number of operations, success rates, complication rates, and side effects. Community volunteers (n = 250) completed a discrete-choice experiment relevant to free muscle transfer for smile reanimation. Preoperative and postoperative states were demonstrated through video vignettes, together with explanation of surgical risks, consequences, and benefits. Attribute importance was modeled using hierarchical Bayes estimation. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-one responses met quality controls. Attribute importance ranked as follows: chance of success, 37.3 percent; smile type, 21.4 percent; side effects, 13.9 percent; complication rates, 13.8; and number of operations, 13.6 percent. All attributes significantly correlated with decision making (p < 0.0001). An aggregate response model revealed most participants (67.6 percent; standard error, 3.0 percent) preferred smile reanimation by cross-facial (assuming a success rate of 80 percent) as opposed to ipsilateral trigeminal motor branch neurotization. When the success rate for cross-facial neurotization was reduced below 67 percent, trigeminal neurotization was preferred. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a higher risk of failure, most respondents preferred a cross-facial as opposed to trigeminal neurotization strategy for smile reanimation. These findings highlight the complexity of decision-making and need for individualized risk tolerance assessment in the field of facial reanimation.

The Second Division of Trigeminal Nerve for Corneal Neurotization: A Novel One-Stage Technique in Combination With Facial Reanimation.

Corneal neurotization represents an effective surgical strategy to restore corneal sensibility in patients affected by neurotrophic keratopathy.Corneal sensibility is essential in preserving structure and function of the eye. Loss of corneal sensibility can lead to a degenerative condition of the cornea known as neurotrophic keratopathy.Moreover, patients suffering from facial palsy show failure of full eyelid closure resulting in chronic corneal exposure and subsequent progressive damage.Reports have shown that the use of the contralateral ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve can be effective in restoring corneal sensibility. In the present study the authors expose a new technique by means of which direct neurotization of the anesthetic cornea was achieved using the homolateral second division of the trigeminal nerve. Effectiveness of the technique was evaluated using in vivo confocal microscopy.To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first report of this technique in literature.

Axon numbers and landmarks of trigeminal donor nerves for corneal neurotization.

PURPOSE: Corneal anesthesia leads to chronic corneal injury. This anatomical study characterizes the donor nerve branches of the supratrochlear and supraorbital nerves used for corneal neurotization. METHODS: In 13 non-embalmed cadavers, the supratrochlear and supraorbital nerves were dissected and distances to anatomical landmarks measured. Cross-sections of supratrochlear and supraorbital donor nerves were harvested and histomorphometrically analyzed to assess the number of myelinated axons. RESULTS: The donor axon counts were 3146 ± 1069.9 for the supratrochlear and 1882 ± 903 for the supraorbital nerve distal to the supraorbital notch. The supratrochlear nerve was dissected on the medial upper eyelid 2 cm lateral to the facial midline and the branch of the supraorbital nerve 1 cm medial to the mid-pupillary line. CONCLUSION: The supraorbital and supratrochlear branches of the trigeminal nerve are potent donor nerves for corneal neurotization in the treatment of neuropathic keratopathy and can be reliably dissected using anatomical landmarks.

Reanimation surgery in patients with acquired bilateral facial palsy.

Acquired bilateral facial palsy is rare and causes difficulty with speech and eating, but dynamic reanimation of the face can reduce the effect of these problems. Of 712 patients who had these procedures during our study period, two had an acquired bilateral facial paralysis. In both, reanimation was completed in a single operation using a free-functional transfer of the latissimus dorsi muscle that was coapted to the masseteric branch of the trigeminal nerve. Both patients achieved excellent non-spontaneous excursion and an improvement in function. Careful evaluation of the available donor nerves including thorough examination and electromyographic testing should always be completed before operation.

Free anterolateral thigh flap and masseter nerve transfer for reconstruction of extensive periauricular defects: Surgical technique and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Radical tumor ablation in the periauricular area often results in extensive soft tissue defects, including facial nerve sacrifice, bone and/or dura defects. Reconstruction of these defects should aim at restoring facial reanimation, wound closure, and facial and neck contours. We present our experience using free anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) in combination with masseter nerve to facial nerve transfer in managing complex defects in the periauricular area. METHODS: Between 2011 and 2015 six patients underwent a combined procedure of ALT flap reconstruction and masseter nerve transfer, to reconstruct extensive, post tumor resection, periauricular defects. The ALT flap was customized according to the defect. For smile restoration, the masseter nerve was transferred to the buccal branch of the facial nerve. If the facial nerve stump was preserved, interposition of nerve grafts to the zygomatic and frontal branches was performed to provide separate eye closure. The outcomes were analyzed by assessing wound closure, contour deformity, symmetry of the face, and facial nerve function. RESULTS: There were no partial or total flap losses. Stable wound closure and adequate volume replacement in the neck was achieved in all cases, as well as good facial tonus and symmetry. The mean follow-up time of clinical outcomes was 16.8 months. Smile restoration was graded as good or excellent in four cases, moderate in one and fair in one. CONCLUSION: Extensive periauricular defects following oncologic resection could be adequately reconstructed in a combined procedure of free ALT flap and masseter nerve transfer to the facial nerve for smile restoration.

Suprascapular nerve reconstruction in obstetrical brachial plexus palsy: spinal accessory nerve transfer versus C5 root grafting.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is any difference in external rotation following reconstruction of the suprascapular nerve using nerve grafts from the proximal C5 root or nerve transfer using the spinal accessory nerve. METHODS: External rotation was assessed using the Active Movement Scale immediately before surgery and 3 years postoperatively. Patients with less than 3 years of follow-up were excluded. For patients who underwent secondary shoulder surgery before the 3-year follow-up, the Active Movement Scale score before shoulder surgery was used as the outcome. RESULTS: One-hundred-six patients underwent nerve grafting, while 71 patients underwent spinal accessory nerve transfer. The spinal accessory nerve transfer group had a greater proportion of patients with total plexus palsies, more avulsions, and an earlier age at surgery (p < 0.001). In the C5 nerve graft group, the mean Active Movement Scale score increased from 0.4 to 2.2 (p < 0.001). In the nerve transfer group, the mean score increased from 0.2 to 3.0 (p < 0.001). Preoperatively, the C5 nerve graft group had significantly better scores than the nerve transfer group (p = 0.03). Postoperatively, there was no significant difference between treatments (p = 0.1). Further statistical analysis failed to demonstrate a significant advantage of one surgical treatment over the other. CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in external rotation after suprascapular nerve reconstruction with either nerve grafting from the proximal C5 root or spinal accessory nerve transfer. The choice of suprascapular nerve reconstruction can be selected depending on specific requirements of the individual lesion.

Neurovascular anatomy of sartorius muscle flaps: implications for local transposition and facial reanimation.

BACKGROUND: The sartorius muscle is a superficial muscle of the thigh that possesses highly suitable qualities for many uses in local transposition and free muscle transfer. However, a paucity of description of the neurovascular anatomy of the sartorius has contributed to its infrequent use in these roles. METHODS: Both human and canine studies were undertaken to delineate the neurovascular anatomy of the sartorius and to determine the role for surgical delay clinically. Fifty-five human cadaveric sartorius muscles and 30 canine cadaveric sartorius muscles underwent angiographic and dissection studies, and the location and course of the vessels and nerves supplying sartorius are described. A subsequent study was undertaken in two live canines in which the vascular supply to the sartorius was evaluated before and after surgical delay. RESULTS: The sartorius is supplied by an average of six or seven vascular pedicles, the size, location, and course of which are described. The nerve supply to the sartorius enters at its proximal end and uniformly arises from a branch of the femoral nerve. Variations in branching patterns and course of nerves and vessels are described. Living canine studies demonstrated the dilatation of intramuscular vessels following surgical delay, with the contrast injection of a single remaining vascular pedicle shown to vascularize the entire length of the sartorius muscle. CONCLUSIONS: The sartorius is highly suitable for local transposition and free muscle transfer for facial reanimation. The neurovascular anatomy is reliable, and the use of surgical delay can augment its vascular supply and increase the arc of rotation for local transposition.

Corneal neurotization: a novel solution to neurotrophic keratopathy.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of direct corneal neurotization using contralateral supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves in patients with unilateral facial palsy and corneal anesthesia. A novel surgical procedure in which these donor nerve branches are inserted at the contralateral anesthetic corneal limbus for sensory neurotization is described. METHODS: The charts of six patients were reviewed thoroughly to evaluate changes in corneal sensibility following surgery for direct corneal neurotization. Visual acuity, blink reflex, donor deficit, synesthesia, long-term corneal health, and several psychosocial measures and overall patient satisfaction with the procedure are reported. RESULTS: Six patients with an average denervation time of 7.00 +/- 8.56 years before surgery were followed for an average period of 16.3 +/- 2.42 years. All six eyes showed improvement of corneal sensibility, visual acuity, and corneal health and remained free of ulcers or other signs of advancing neurotropic keratopathy. Average corneal sensibility improved from 2.00 +/- 4.47 mm before surgery to 278.00 +/- 226.00 mm following corneal neurotization (p < 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Direct neurotization of the cornea using the contralateral supraorbital and supratrochlear branches of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve appears to be an effective method of restoring the corneal sensibility in patients with unilateral facial palsy and anesthetic cornea. This technique preserves ocular anatomy and cosmesis and restores function by improving corneal health and visual acuity.

Cortical adaptation to restoration of smiling after free muscle transfer innervated by the nerve to the masseter.

BACKGROUND: The child with Möbius syndrome presenting for facial reanimation presents a difficult challenge. When bilateral paralysis and paresis preclude use of the contralateral facial nerve, the authors' preferred donor nerve for reinnervation of free muscle transfer is a branch of the trigeminal nerve, the ipsilateral nerve to the masseter. METHODS: The authors have used a branch of the trigeminal nerve as a donor for three children with Möbius syndrome. RESULTS: Of three children with Möbius syndrome, two are now able to smile independently of jaw closure. One child is now 2.6 years past bilateral free gracilis transfers completed at age 13.2 years. The second child is 8.2 years past free gracilis transfer to the left side of the face performed at age 7.6 years. The third child is 5.6 years past bilateral facial reanimation with free latissimus and free gracilis flaps completed at age 13.4 years. This child is not able to smile independently of jaw closure. The two who are able to smile independently of jaw closure demonstrated maximum excursion of the lateral commissure on the affected sides when asked to smile without biting; however, they demonstrated minimal excursion of the lateral commissure on the affected sides when asked to bite without trying to smile. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that smiling independently of jaw closure is attainable with reanimation to the masseteric branch, refuting previous speculations. Early age at operation and absence of complete bilateral paralysis in these two children may have contributed to cortical adaptation to smiling.

[Lengthening temporalis myoplasty and transfacial nerve graft (VII-V). Technical note]. / Myoplastie d'allongement du temporal et greffe nerveuse transfaciale (VII-V). Note technique.

Authors report the first five cases of lengthening temporalis myoplasty associated with transfacial nerve grafting. After a follow-up period of 10 months and 8 months for the 2 first cases, temporalis reinnervation by the facial nerve could be observed. Nerve growth was documented by electromyography. Three other cases have been performed using this technique and are in the nerve growth phase. Operative technique is described in detail. Transfacial nerve grafting seems to help the transposed temporalis muscle obtain more facial function and therefore, improve the quality of the spontaneous smile. The temporalis muscle become double innervated (trigeminal and facial nerve). It should be indicated in children, young adults or in patients in whom physical therapy will be difficult.

Growth interaction between locus coeruleus and trigeminal ganglion after intraocular double grafting.

Fetal trigeminal ganglia were combined in the anterior chamber of eyes of rat recipients with sequentially grafted fetal locus coeruleus transplants. After maturation of both grafts in oculo the growth pattern of locus coeruleus derived noradrenaline fibres in the iris was examined with Falck-Hillarp fluorescence histochemistry. Contrary to what was expected from earlier studies, which revealed a radiating halo of fibres around the CNS tissue on the iris, the locus coeruleus-derived fibres radiated to a large extent from the adjacent trigeminal ganglion attachment. Thus, the presence of a grafted trigeminal ganglion changed the distribution of the central monoamine nerves growing out in the iris. The possible cause of this changed distribution is discussed. Maturated intraocular trigeminal ganglion transplants were retransplanted, together with the whole iris to which it was attached, into a new eye which already harboured a maturated locus coeruleus graft attached to its host iris. The expected reinitiated locus coeruleus fibre ingrowths into the iris transplants were then compared in those iris transplants that had trigeminal ganglia and controls that had not. The surface area of the iris grafts covered by newly formed locus coeruleus noradrenaline fibres was significantly smaller (27% reduction) if trigeminal ganglia were situated on them during the reinnervation process. This finding strongly supports our earlier studies, which suggested that the presence of sensory nerves in the iris inhibits growth of locus coeruleus in that receptor tissue, and furthermore, that the sensory nerves responsible for this inhibitory interaction have their origin within the trigeminal ganglion itself.

Innervated temporal-muscle mastoid flaps.

Histological comparisons have been made of predicted temporal-muscle flaps with and without an intact nerve supply. The viability of the musculoplasty depends on maintenance of the neural bundle.