Selective Experimental Reinnervation of Paralyzed Facial Muscles

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Abstract
• Amelioration of facial nerve dysfunction has been variably successful and often has resulted in only gross motion. An experimental model has been developed whereby the nerve-muscle pedicle technique used to reinnervate the larynx has been modified to achieve selective reinnervation of paralyzed facial muscles. A series of rabbits underwent facial denervation, following which a nerve-muscle pedicle was transposed to the denervated zygomaticus muscle to achieve selective reinnervation. Subsequent follow-up showed good clinical evidence of reinnervation one to four weeks postoperatively. This was confirmed by electromyographic and histologic findings. It is suggested that the nerve-muscle technique that has been used to correct laryngeal paralysis also may be applied to the selective reinnervation of paralyzed facial muscles. (Arch Otolaryngol 103:22-25, 1977)

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