Immediate Frontal Nerve Repair Produces Early Facial Reanimation: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Frontal nerve injury may result with permanent facial asymmetry. This may severely affect social and psychological status. It is known that early repair of frontal nerve is more effective than delayed repair. However, it is not well defined how the frontal nerve repairment responds to emergency coaptation. A case report of a 27 years old male whom had a right frontotemporal laceration after a trauma has been presented. The patient was operated immediately and the frontal nerve was explored under microscope. Either ends of the frontal nerve were found within the injury zone and repaired. Frontal muscle reanimation started after one week and recorded to be nearly fully gained in post-operative one month. House-Brackmann Grade VI injuryimprovedto a Grade II nervefuncitonwithin 1 monthafteroperation. In conclusion, emergency coaptation of frontal nerve injuries may result with full reanimation of the muscle.