Outcomes of direct muscle neurotization in pediatric patients with facial paralysis.

BACKGROUND

Multistage reconstructive procedures are often required to try to restore the emotional potential of human expression in cases of facial paralysis. In this study, the senior author's (J.K.T.) experience with the technique of direct nerve to muscle neurotization as a part of multistage facial reanimation procedures is presented. Age, denervation time, etiology of the lesion, previous reconstructive procedures, and types of muscles responsible for animation were analyzed to make evidence-based recommendations on the indications of the technique as well as its role and effectiveness in facial reanimation.

METHODS

Retrospective review of 37 pediatric patients who underwent direct muscle neurotization took place. The patients were divided into three groups, depending on the region that direct neurotization was aiming to augment. Group A involved 28 patients for eye closure and blink, group B included 15 patients for smile, and group C included 19 patients for depressor augmentation.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were female and 17 male. Patient age ranged from 1 to 16 years, with a mean age (+/-SD) of 9 +/- 2.8 years. Denervation time ranged from 3 months to 15.25 years, and the mean denervation time was 6.72 years. Electromyographic scoring of the neurotized muscles showed an overall mean improvement of 36 percent for eye closure, 34.25 percent for blink, 37 percent for smile augmentation, and 30 percent for depressor function restoration.

CONCLUSION

Direct muscle neurotization has a valid role in pediatric facial reanimation procedures, as it augments and promotes expressivity.