Abstract 6P

Abstract

Purpose: Long lasting facial paralysis should always be treated by dynamic restoration. However, results obtained by a single muscle transfer may not provide adequate balance. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the functional result of the temporalis muscle transfer (TT) combined with lateral orbicularis oris plication (MP) in the smile reconstruction of the long lasting unilateral facial paralysis.Methods: 16 patients House Brackmann (HB) V to VI with unilateral facial paralysis (UFP) underwent TT plus MP from July 2007 to January 2008. Mean age was 59.5 years. The distance from the lip philtrum and mouth corner to the nasogenian sulcus at rest and at smiling was obtained before and after the operation and patients were followed for two years.Results: Distance to the nasogenian sulcus changed significantly (p>0.001) at smiling, improving the HB score to III in all 16 patients. Distance from the mouth corner decreased after the operation, assuring the impression of adequate facial balance. The maximum strength of muscle excursion was seen two years after the operation. Conclusion:The functional result of the TT combined with MP improved the HB score in all 16 patients with long lasting facial paralysis. This was attested by the amount of movement enough to elevate the mouth corner, and a more symmetric smiling.