Global survey reveals varied nerve choices for facial reanimation surgery

An international web-based survey of 107 microsurgeons across 34 countries examined preferences for donor nerve selection in functioning free muscle transplantation for long-standing facial paralysis. Respondents reported using cross-facial nerve grafts more often in patients under 60 for spontaneous smile, while the masseteric nerve predominated in patients 60 and older and in bilateral congenital paralysis for reliability; dual innervation was used by 17-20% with variable configurations. The authors state these findings highlight a lack of consensus and a need for comparative outcome studies in this field.

Most relevant for: Patients with long-standing or developmental facial paralysis being considered for free muscle transplantation reanimation surgery.

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