Detailed anatomical study of the peripheral motor branches of the facial nerve in the swine model: A novel investigative approach for facial paralysis research

Millesi, Elena; Suchyta, Marissa; Lachman, Nirusha; Wang, Huan; Mardini, Samir

doi:10.1016/j.bjps.2023.04.076

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Attention must be paid when dissecting the zygomatic branch inferior to the zygomatic arch, where it emerges from a deep fatty compartment, confounded by multiple secondary branches that arise from the zygomatic branch. 31 An average of four zygomatic secondary branches had to be cut to mobilize the zygomatic nerve enough so tension-free direct coaptation with the masseteric nerve could be achieved. No significant difference was detected in either axon count nor diameter of the pig masseteric and zygomatic branch at the overlapping point, highlighting their compatibility for a nerve transfer.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Anatomic Analysis of Masseteric-to-zygomatic Nerve Transfer in Rat and Pig Models

Millesi,

Suchyta,

Wang

et al. 2023

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open

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Background: Nerve transfer from the masseteric branch of the trigeminal nerve is a widely performed procedure for facial reanimation. Despite achieving powerful muscle force, clinical and aesthetic results leave room for improvement. Preclinical animal models are invaluable to establishing new therapeutic approaches. This anatomical study aimed to establish a masseteric-to-zygomatic nerve transfer model in rats and pigs. Methods: The masseteric branch of the trigeminal nerve and the zygomatic branch of the facial nerve were dissected in 30 swine and 40 rat hemifaces. Both nerves were mobilized and approximated to achieve an overlap between the nerve ends. Over the course of dissecting both nerves, their anatomy, length, and branching pattern were documented. At the coaptation point, diameters of both nerves were measured, and samples were taken for neuromorphometric analysis. Results: Anatomic details and landmarks were described. Tension-free coaptation was possible in all rat and pig dissections. In rats, the masseteric branch had an average diameter of 0.36 mm (±0.06), and the zygomatic branch average diameter was 0.46 mm (±0.13). In pigs, the masseteric branch measured 0.52 (±0.16) mm and the zygomatic branch, 0.59 (±0.16) mm. No significant differences were found between the diameters and axon counts of both nerves in pigs. In rats, however, their diameters, axon counts, and fascicular areas were significantly different. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated the feasibility of direct masseteric-to-zygomatic nerve transfer in rats and pigs and provided general anatomic knowledge of both nerves.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%