Masseteric-Facial Nerve Anastomosis: Case Report

Abstract

When a viable proximal facial nerve is not accessible, facial nerve paralysis has been managed with hypoglossal facial anastomosis, which results in varying degrees of hemiglossal atrophy and its sequelae. These authors have used the masseteric nerve to neurotize the facial nerve in one patient.

Facial Reanimation Using the Masseter-to-Facial Nerve Transfer

“…11,12 The lack of functional impairment with the masseter-to-facial nerve transfer stands in contrast to other cranial nerve donors.…”

Masseteric–facial nerve anastomosis for early facial reanimation

“…In 2004 Bermudez and Nieto (2004) published a case report of massetericefacial nerve transfer, with anastomosis between the branch of the masseteric nerve to a zygomatic branch of the injured facial nerve. This procedure was suggested as a good alternative for facial reanimation in patients with partial palsies.…”

“…A few reports describe its use for selective facial nerve branch reanimation (Escat and Viela, 1925;Spira, 1978;Bermudez and Nieto, 2004) or for chronic facial reanimation (Zuker et al, 2000).…”

Contemporary Solutions for the Treatment of Facial Nerve Paralysis

“…Each donor nerve varies with respect to its functional deficit and morbidity, motor power, and synergy with facial expression. [12][13][14][15] Over the past decade, anatomy and physiology knowledge of the trigeminal motor nerve branch to the masseter muscle has increased, [16][17][18][19][20][21] with masseter-to-facial nerve transfers (fifth to seventh cranial nerve) being our technique of choice for facial reanimation (Reference 17 Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, IV). This regional (subunit) approach to rehabilitation of the paralyzed face allows "babysitting" of paralyzed mimetic muscles of the midface and perioral region (Fig.…”