Cryopreserved fascia lata allograft use in surgical facial reanimation: a retrospective study of seven cases

Abstract

Background: Facial palsy treatment comprises static and dynamic techniques. Among dynamic techniques, local temporalis transposition represents a reliable solution to achieve facial reanimation. The present study describes a modification of the temporalis tendon transfer using a cryopreserved fascia allograft. Case presentation: Between March 2015 and September 2018, seven patients with facial palsy underwent facial reanimation with temporalis tendon transfer and fascia lata allograft. Patients with long-term palsy were considered, and both physical and social functions were evaluated. The mean follow-up time was 21.5 months. No immediate complications were observed. Patients reported improvement in facial symmetry both in static and dynamic. Improvement was noticed also in articulation, eating, drinking, and saliva control. The Facial Disability Index revealed an improvement both in physical function subscale and in the social/well-being function subscale. Conclusions: This modified orthodromic technique allows to reduce the operative time and the risk of complications connected to the use of autologous tissues. The use of the cryopreserved fascia allografts from cadaveric donors seems to provide promising and long-standing results in the treatment of facial palsy.

Quadriceps Tendon Repair Using Cadaveric Fascia Lata Allograft: A Novel Technique for Repair of Chronic Quadriceps Tendon Rupture

“…This procedure avoids morbidity and complications associated with the donor site and allows for a reduction in surgical time associated with the use of autologous tissue. 11 Our encouraging results may serve as a starting point to determine whether the use of cadaveric fascia lata allografts may be a promising therapeutic alternative for the treatment of chronic quadriceps tendon rupture. To the best of our knowledge, no cases of chronic quadriceps tendon rupture have been reconstructed using this technique.…”

“…3,6,8,9 Facia Lata grafts exhibit high ultimate tensile strength and stiffness, making them useful for many purposes, including reconstruction of osteo-dural defects in neurosurgery, ptosis surgeries, urinary incontinence, reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament, rotator cuff and the patellar tendon. [10][11][12][13] Grafting of autologous fascia lata can lead to postoperative hematoma, wound infection, muscle herniation, hip flexor weakness, numbness, pain, superficial phlebitis, and cosmetic concerns due to scarring 11 ; therefore, the use of cadaveric fascia lata graft avoids complications at the donor site.…”

Development and In Vitro/In Vivo Comparative Characterization of Cryopreserved and Decellularized Tracheal Grafts

“…The first strategy was here followed (freezing at −140 °C; storage in vapor phase liquid nitrogen), since long time adopted by the FBTV for successful cryopreservation of different other tissues used in clinical practice. These include, for instance, fascia lata allograft for surgical facial reanimation [ 39 ]; amniotic membrane for the treatment of gingival recessions [ 43 ] and cryptoglandular anal fistulas [ 98 ]; aortic homograft for aortic valve or aortic root replacements [ 22 ]. Interestingly, also decellularized human aortic valves underwent to this cryopreservation within an in vitro study [ 42 ].…”

“…Cryopreservation of the tracheal segments ( n = 10) was carried out by the tissue bank “Fondazione Banca dei Tessuti del Veneto ONLUS” (FBTV), in accordance with the requirements approved by the National Transplant Centre and following a method previously described [ 39 ]. Briefly, after the first overnight decontamination, the segments were again cleaned from mucus, valuated in their integrity, and further decontaminated with the same antibiotic cocktail composed of BASE medium (Alchimia S.r.l.…”

Invited Commentary from the Authors of: Choudhary S, et al. Suprazygomatic Aponeurotic McLaughlin Myoplasty for Facial Reanimation

“…Authors Silan et al 2 have published a similar orthodromic temporal myoplasty technique using cryopreserved cadaveric fascia lata graft with good results. We appreciate the use of cadaveric fascia lata in patients who do not wish to have another scar at the donor site or have pressing comorbidities which dictate a minimum operative time.…”