Free gracilis muscle transplantation, with microneurovascular anastomoses for the treatment of facial paralysis. A preliminary report.

A clinical operative technique for free muscle transplantation by microneurovascular anastomoses is presented. Two cases of free transfer of the gracilis muscle for dynamic reconstruction of facial paralysis are described, including a follow-up study with electromyography, light microscopy, and electron microscopy. We feel this new technique will have a wide range of application in reconstructive surgery.