Masseteric nerve transference with sling tendon for symmetry in the restoration of facial paralysis: An effective combination of dynamic and static correction

Abstract

Masseteric nerve transposition has shown to be an effective technique for the treatment of facial paralysis. Due to its low morbidity at the donor site, its consistent anatomy, and one-stage operation, it constitutes a reliable option for both complete and incomplete facial paralysis. Masseteric nerve transference has proven to achieve good commissural excursion and dynamic symmetry. However, some patients with heavy faces and complete facial paralysis recover incompletely after surgery characterized by an asymmetrical smile with asymmetry at rest, affecting the cosmetic appearance. For these patients, we propose a novel combination of masseteric nerve transposition for the dynamic rehabilitation of the smile with a tendon sling suspension to create symmetry at rest. A detailed description of the surgical technique is given and results after using it with eight patients show good functional and aesthetic satisfaction. A combination of both dynamic and static techniques for complete facial paralysis rehabilitation may provide adequate symmetry with the contralateral healthy side both at rest and when smiling.

Keywords: Facial paralysis; Masseteric nerve; Nerve transference; Tendinous sling.