Rehabilitation of the face following traumatic injury to the facial nerve

Etiology, diagnosis, and surgical management of facial paralysis due to traumatic injury of the VIIth cranial nerve are discussed. Sixty patients are reviewed who underwent some type of surgical procedure for the repair of the facial nerve. These cases are categorized according to etiology, which includes temporal bone fractures, iatrogenic injuries, and penetrating wounds of the head and neck. The results of a poll of eight leading otologists on their approaches to several aspects of the surgical management of these injuries are presented in the Discussion section. The diagnostic and prognostic studies associated with facial paralysis, as well as the more common surgical procedures available for repair of the facial nerve, are briefly reviewed.     

Advances in facial reanimation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Facial paralysis often has a significant emotional impact on patients. Along with the myriad of new surgical techniques in managing facial paralysis comes the challenge of selecting the most effective procedure for the patient. This review delineates common surgical techniques and reviews state-of-the-art techniques. RECENT FINDINGS: The options for dynamic reanimation of the paralyzed face must be examined in the context of several patient factors, including age, overall health, and patient desires. The best functional results are obtained with direct facial nerve anastomosis and interpositional nerve grafts. In long-standing facial paralysis, temporalis muscle transfer gives a dependable and quick result. Microvascular free tissue transfer is a reliable technique with reanimation potential whose results continue to improve as microsurgical expertise increases. Postoperative results can be improved with ancillary soft tissue procedures, as well as botulinum toxin. SUMMARY: The paper provides an overview of recent advances in facial reanimation, including preoperative assessment, surgical reconstruction options, and postoperative management.     

Selective role of partial XI-VII anastomosis in facial reanimation

Objectives: Review techniques available for transposition of an alternative motor neuron if end-to-end anastomosis or interposition nerve grafting cannot be accomplished when there has been a complete facial nerve loss. Describe the selective use of a partial spinal accessory-facial nerve anastomosis and highlight cases when this may be a useful alternative. Describe the modifications of decompression of the facial nerve for tension-free anastomosis and the use of the muscle pedicle for repair of cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Study Design: Report of three cases and a review of the literature. Methods: Charts were reviewed and indications for the procedure were analyzed. The degree of facial movement was recorded as well as the resolution of any cerebrospinal fluid leak. Results: The results varied between Class III and Class IV on the House-Brackmann scale following initial complete paralysis. In the two cases in which spinal fluid leakage had occurred before surgery the leakage was resolved. No donor site morbidity was noted. Conclusions: The potential of low morbidity associated with the use of the sternocleidomastoid branch, along with the potential for delivering a vascularized muscle pedicle to the temporal bone region, makes selective use of this procedure a valuable addition to the multiple reconstruction options for the paralyzed face. Laryngoscope 108:1664–1668, 1998     

Long-term functional outcome in facial nerve graft by fibrin glue in the temporal bone and cerebellopontine angle

The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome of facial nerve repair with fibrin glue in end-to-end anastomosis and intermediate nerve graft. Thirty-six patients undergoing facial nerve repair by end–to-end anastomosis or facial nerve grafting using exclusively fibrin glue between 1986 and 1999 were included in this retrospective study. The population comprised ten vestibular schwannomas (28%), nine temporal bone fractures (25%), seven facial nerve schwannomas (19%), four facial nerve hemangiomas (11%), two iatrogenic facial nerve interruptions (6%) and four miscellaneous facial nerve lesions (11%). Data were reviewed concerning etiology, location of the nerve interruption, type of repair and postoperative facial function according to the repaired facial nerve recovery scale (A: normal; B: independent movements of eyelid and mouth; C: strong closure of eyelids and mouth; D: incomplete eyelid closure; E: minimal movement; F: no movement). Eleven patients (31%) underwent end-to-end nerve anastomosis and 25 (69%) underwent intermediate facial nerve grafting. The mean follow-up period was 50 months (range: 3–95). Among patients followed-up more than 18 months (n=20), a score of B or C was obtained in 16 patients (80%), a score D in 2 cases (10%) and a score E in 2 cases (10%). The type of repair and the site of interruption did not influence the results. Fibrin glue is a simple, rapid and efficient means of facial nerve repair. In case of intraoperative facial nerve interruption, this type of repair can be attempted in any location at the time of the tumor removal.     

Petrous bone cholesteatoma and facial paralysis

This paper describes a series of patients with a petrous temporal bone cholesteatoma paying particular attention to the complications and their management. Sixteen patients who underwent surgery in our department were reviewed. Topographically, the petrous bone choleasteatomas were grouped into five categories according to the classification proposed by Sanna et al. There were five massive labyrinthine; five infralabyrinthine; one apical; four supralabyrinthine; and one infralabyrinthine-apical. Clinically, the presenting symptom of these lesions were facial nerve paralysis (10 patients) and unilateral deafness (13 patients). Total removal of the cholesteatomas was achieved in all patients using different surgical approaches according to their site and extent. Recurrences were observed in two patients after 8 months and 24 months, respectively. The facial nerve was infiltrated and compressed by the cholesteatoma in eight patients. Seven were managed with cable grafts using sural nerve. One of these patients was treated using a facial-hypoglossal anastomosis because of the failure of the graft. In the remaining patient, a baby-sitter procedure was employed. In the other two patients, the preoperative facial paralysis was due to compression by the cholesteatoma, and its removal allowed partial recovery of facial function. The rationale of the surgical management of petrous bone cholesteatoma is its radical and total removal. Our present policy is to prefer approaches which result in a closed cavity obliterating the eustachian tube and closing the auditory canal as a blind sac. Facial nerve function is the main complication of these lesions. Facial nerve involvement requires rapid management because the duration of the paralysis is directly related to poor recovery of facial function.     

Hypoglossal‐facial nerve anastomosis: assessment of clinical results and patient benefit for facial nerve palsy following acoustic neuroma excision

Despite advances in neuro‐otological techniques permanent complete facial palsy may still occur in up to 10% of patients undergoing removal of cerebellopontine angle tumours. Hypoglossal‐facial nerve anastomosis is the procedure of choice in our unit for facial reanimation in such patients and below we report the results of hypoglossal‐facial nerve anastomosis performed on 29 patients. Assessment of patient benefit from hypoglossal‐facial nerve anastomosis was obtained using a questionnaire based on the Glasgow Benefit Inventory. The results showed all patients to have an improvement in their House Brackmann grade following hypoglossal‐facial anastomosis with 65% achieving grade III or better. Of the 20 patients who completed the questionnaire, 18 showed a positive benefit (median score 59.5, range 40–77). There was a significant correlation (P < 0.045) between the Glasgow benefit inventory score and House Brackmann grade. Outcome was not affected by the time interval between the acoustic neuroma surgery and performing the hypoglossal‐facial nerve anastomosis, sex or length of follow‐up. However the Glasgow benefit score was significantly influenced by age (P = 0.023) with younger patients showing more benefit independent of improvement in facial nerve function.     

Post-traumatic facial nerve paralysis: Three cases of delayed temporal bone exploration with recovery

No consensus exists today on the management of immediate-onset post-traumatic facial nerve paralysis. Controversy surrounds the timing of surgical intervention and the role of electrophysiologic testing. Three patients are presented who sustained immediate, complete facial paralysis following closed head trauma. They did not have prompt facial nerve decompression. In each case, electroneurography and electromyography showed complete nerve degeneration and denervated muscle. Despite the results of the electrophysiologic tests, all patients underwent late surgical decompression of the nerve: one at 2 1/2 months, one at 3 months, and one as late as 14 months after injury. They all had good recovery of facial function within 6 months of surgery. Early surgical intervention has been advocated in post-traumatic facial nerve paralysis if any benefit is to be gained. It is thought that late surgical intervention is unlikely to yield further improvement in the facial nerve function. Experience with these cases suggests that surgical exploration of the facial nerve is indicated at anytime, as it may be beneficial even in very old injuries. The prognostic value of electroneurography and electromyography in determining facial nerve recovery and in deciding upon facial nerve surgery is questioned.     

Efficacy of glial growth factor and nerve growth factor on the recovery of traumatic facial paralysis

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of Glial growth factor (GGF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) on nerve regeneration in facial nerve anastomosis. In this study, approximately a 1-mm segment was resected from the facial nerve and the free ends were anastomosed. All animals underwent the same surgical procedure and 30 rabbits were grouped randomly in three groups. Control group, the group without any medications; NGF group, the group receiving 250 ng/0.1 ml NGF in the epineurium at the site of anastomosis; GBF group, the group receiving 500 ng/0.1 ml GGF in the epineurium at the site of anastomosis. Medications were given at the time of surgery, and at 24 and 48 h postoperatively. After 2 months, the sites of anastomosis were excised and examined using the electron microscope. It was found that the best regeneration was in the group receiving GGF as compared to the control group in terms of nerve regeneration. Schwann cell and glial cell proliferation were found to be significantly higher in the group receiving GGF as compared to the group receiving NGF. Besides, the number of myelin debris, an indicator of degeneration, was significantly lower in the group with GGF as compared to NGF and control groups (p < 0.005). Using GGF and NGF in order to increase regeneration after nerve anastomosis in experimental traumatic facial nerve paralysis may be a hopeful alternative treatment option in the future. However, further studies on human studies are required to support these results.     

Management of traumatic facial nerve paralysis with carotid artery cavernous sinus fistula

Massive skull base injuries require detailed preoperative neurological and neurovascular assessment prior to undertaking surgical repair of isolated cranial nerve deficits. We present the management of a patient with traumatic facial paralysis, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and carotid artery cavernous sinus fistula as the result of a gunshot wound to the skull base. The carotid artery cavernous sinus fistula was ultimately controlled with superselective embolization via the vertebral artery. The facial nerve injury was then safely treated with mobilization of the labyrinthine and vertical segments to allow a primary anastomosis.     

手术治疗周围性面瘫51例

目的：探讨周围性面瘫的治疗方法及影响其疗效的因素。方法：回顾性分析51例面神经麻痹患者住院治疗的临床资料。结果：随访42例。36例行面神经减压术,22例恢复至H—BⅠ～Ⅱ级;4例行面神经吻合术,2例恢复至Ⅰ～Ⅱ级,2例面神经移植术,均恢复至〉Ⅲ级。病程3个月以内与3个月以上组手术的疗效差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论：及时精确地施行手术是治疗周围性面瘫的有效方法。     

Reconstruction of facial nerve after radical parotidectomy

Conclusion: Most patients benefitted from immediate facial nerve grafting after radical parotidectomy. Even weak movement is valuable and can be augmented with secondary static operations. Post-operative radiotherapy does not seem to affect the final outcome of facial function. Objectives: During radical parotidectomy, the sacrifice of the facial nerve results in severe disfigurement of the face. Data on the principles and outcome of facial nerve reconstruction and reanimation after radical parotidectomy are limited and no consensus exists on the best practice. Method: This study retrospectively reviewed all patients having undergone radical parotidectomy and immediate facial nerve reconstruction with a free, non-vascularized nerve graft at the Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland during the years 1990–2010. There were 31 patients (18 male; mean age = 54.7 years; range = 30–82) and 23 of them had a sufficient follow-up time. Results: Facial nerve function recovery was seen in 18 (78%) of the 23 patients with a minimum of 2-year follow-up and adequate reporting available. Only slight facial movement was observed in five (22%), moderate or good movement in nine (39%), and excellent movement in four (17%) patients. Twenty-two (74%) patients received post-operative radiotherapy and 16 (70%) of them had some recovery of facial nerve function. Nineteen (61%) patients needed secondary static reanimation of the face.     

Multiple facial suspensions in protracted facial palsy

Primary objective of multidirectional tractions of the facial muscles for protracted facial paralysis is to restore the facial symmetry. The facial suspension by multiple fascial strips in conjunction with other complemental minor surgical procedures realizes these complex tractions. Deformities requiring surgical procedures, regionally classified, are indicated for surgery as follows: 1) drooping of the eyebrow and upper eyelid, and loss of frontal creases, 2) lagophthalmos and ptosis of the lower eyelid, and 3) drooping of the cheeks and lips, and loss of the nasolabial fold. The multifascial suspension is a valuable adjunct to facial nerve surgery. It is capable of alleviating facial asymmetry due to paralysis and suppresses abnormal associated movements subsequent to surgical repair of facial nerves.     

Revision facial nerve surgery

Transection of the facial nerve can result from blunt or penetrating trauma to the face or temporal bone. It can also occur accidentally during surgery, or as a planned surgical procedure carried out in the interest of eradicating disease. If transection is recognized at surgery, direct anastomosis or cable grafting is the procedure of choice. This article presents two cases with neither clinical nor electrical evidence of recovery. The authors review current understanding of the changes that occur in the neuron, axon, and muscle after injury to the nerve and the underlying pathology that led to graft failure in these cases. They also evaluate surgical options and diagnostic test results that help in selecting appropriate surgical procedures.     

Long-term prognosis of profound facial nerve paralysis secondary to acoustic neuroma resection

The long-term prognosis of profound facial nerve paralysis was reviewed in 107 patients who, despite preserved nerve continuity, showed no facial movement after acoustic neuroma resection. Spontaneous recovery occurred in 77 patients. However, there was no apparent recovery in 30 patients. Twenty-two of these patients underwent hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis 7-33 months after tumor resection. When spontaneous recovery occurred, the first sign of remission was observed between 3 and 4 months after surgery in nearly half of the patients. Such a sign did not appear after 12 months. The recovery of facial movement deteriorated depending on how long remission onset was delayed. However, the quality of facial movement in patients with such delayed remission was still identical or better than that in those after hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis. These results showed that hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis should be performed approximately 1 year after tumor resection if no sign of remission has been observed by then.     

Total facial nerve decompression in recurrent facial paralysis and the Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome: a preliminary report

Recurrent facial paralysis is an infrequent problem for the otolaryngologist. This paralysis may be associated with the Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome, a triad of recurrent facial paralysis, relapsing facial edema, and associated fissured tongue. Most patients do not have the accompanying stigmata of this syndrome. This paralysis may occur unilaterally or bilaterally. The usual sequelae of recurrent facial paralysis are progressive synkinesis and increasing residual paresis with each episode, and total facial paralysis may be the final outcome. Two patients, one with unilateral Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome and the other with a bilateral recurrent idiopathic facial paralysis, were treated with combined transmastoid and middle cranial fossa total facial nerve exposure, decompression, and slitting of the fibrous nerve sheath. Postoperatively they have not suffered from facial paralysis during a follow-up period of three years. It appears that this surgical management safely and effectively prevents recurrent facial paralysis unilaterally or bilaterally, whether or not it is associated with the Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome. Until further experience with this particular management of recurrent facial paralysis is reported, however, caution should be used in recommending it. Additionally, it should not be assumed from this experience that surgical treatment for idiopathic facial paralysis in Bell's palsy is necessarily implied.     

Facial nerve grafting and end-to-end anastomosis in the middle ear - tympanic cavity and mastoid

Sectioned facial nerves can be repaired with grafting or end-to-end anastomosis.ObjectiveTo discuss these repair procedures and what can be expected of them.MethodSeven patients with sectioned facial nerves were included in the study. Four underwent grafting and three were offered end-to-end anastomosis. Facial nerve palsy was iatrogenic in five patients and was caused by bullet wounds in two. Assessment of motor function recovery was based on Janssen's scale.ResultsMean motor recovery was rated at 72.5% for subjects offered grafting and 73.3% for patients submitted to anastomosis.Conclusion1. Grafting and anastomosis are proper solutions to repair sectioned facial nerves; complete recovery is never attained; synkinesis may occur. 2. In principle anastomosis is the procedure of choice, but when there is minimal traction in the facial nerve stump grafting is preferred. 3. Both procedures yielded mean motor recovery rates above 70% (72.5% for grafting and 73.3% for anastomosis).     

舌下神经-面神经侧端吻合术治疗小脑脑桥角肿瘤术后面瘫

摘要：目的探讨舌下神经-面神经侧端吻合术治疗小脑脑桥角肿瘤术后面瘫的效果。方法6例小脑脑桥角肿瘤切除术后面瘫患者均行舌下神经-面神经侧端吻合术。所有患者术后每3个月随访1次,评估House Brackmann(H B)分级和舌下神经功能。结果术后1年H B III级2例,H B Ⅳ级3例, H B V级1例。静态面部张力4例患者在吻合术后6个月改善明显,1例患者在吻合术后 9个月改善,1例患者在吻合术后1年改善。所有患者均未出现术侧舌肌瘫痪萎缩,发音和吞咽功能均正常。结论舌下神经-面神经侧端吻合术可改善小脑脑桥角肿瘤切除术后面瘫患者的面部张力和面肌功能,借助神经监护可尽量减小对舌肌功能的影响。     

Facial reanimation by XI-VII anastomosis without shoulder paralysis

Transposition of the spinal accessory (XI) and facial (VII) nerves has been used successfully in reanimation of facial paralysis, but because of the severity of symptoms associated with denervation of the trapezius muscle, this technique has largely been abandoned. Hypoglossal-facial (XII-VII) nerve anastomosis has now become a more favored procedure; however, the resultant hemiglossal atrophy carries some morbidity. Transposition of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) branch of the accessory nerve as a way to avoid shoulder paralysis was reported more than 20 years ago with initially excellent results, yet few follow-up studies have been done. Twenty-one fresh cadaver dissections of the accessory nerve-SCM branch and facial nerve were performed to determine if adequate numbers of fascicle groups and sufficient proximal nerve length are available for an adequate end-to-end anastomosis without nerve interposition grafting. This paper presents our anatomic and histologic findings to support the use of proximal SCM nerve anastomosis to distal facial nerve in facial reanimation. When feasible, the use of this technique to correct facial paralysis is encouraged rather than hypoglossal-to-facial nerve anastomotic repair.     

Facial nerve paralysis caused by middle ear cholesteatoma and effects of surgical intervention

Conclusions. The clinical and surgical findings of this study indicated advanced cholesteatoma in many patients with facial paralysis. The outcome of facial paralysis was good. Poor outcomes were observed in cases with petrosal cholesteatoma and in those who underwent surgery ≥2 months after the onset of paralysis. Objective. To investigate clinical features of cholesteatoma associated with facial paralysis. Material and methods. Sixteen patients with facial paralysis due to middle ear cholesteatoma were reviewed. After removal of the cholesteatoma lesion, a limited area of the fallopian canal, that in which facial nerve edema or redness was evident, was opened. Incision of the epineural sheath for nerve decompression was not performed. Results. Initial paralysis was incomplete in 11 patients (69%). The onset of paralysis was sudden in 12 patients (75%). Labyrinthine fistulae (n=9; 56%) and bone destruction in the cranial fossa (n=10; 63%) were frequently observed. Six patients (38%) were totally deaf due to labyrinthitis. The outcome of facial paralysis was good in 13 patients (81%). Patients who underwent surgery ≥2 months after the onset of paralysis frequently had a poor outcome. Paralysis was not improved in two cases with petrosal cholesteatoma.     

Masseteric-zygomatic nerve transfer for the management of eye closure-smile excursion synkinesis

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to illustrate the efficacy of masseteric-to-zygomatic nerve transfer to address eye closure-smile excursion synkinesis after facial nerve paralysis.BackgroundSynkinesis after facial nerve paralysis represents a wide range of facial movement disability. One manifestation is involuntary smiling with eye closure and a concomitant reduction of oral commissure movement with attempted smile (“frozen smile”) – arising as a result of aberrant fibers populating the zygomatic branch-muscle complex. This is a particularly difficult area to treat with conservative management. We propose a single-stage procedure to sever the dysfunctional zygomatic nerve and perform a masseteric-zygomatic nerve coaptation to recover a voluntary smile.MethodsWe present a case series of eight patients with eye closure/smile excursion synkinesis who underwent single-stage masseteric-zygomatic nerve transfer by a single surgeon. The surgical technique and indications for surgery were reviewed. Patients underwent facial movement analysis using Emotrics.ResultsWe analyzed the pre- and post- surgical photographic images of 8 patients with synkinesis (7 female, 1 male). Masseteric-facial nerve transfer was performed from 18 months to 22 years after the initial facial paralysis. Eyelid and brow positioning were more symmetric after surgery, with discrepancy between affected and unaffected side decreasing from 2.1 to 1.0 mm (p < .05) and 1.74 to 1.29 mm (p < .05), respectively. Symmetry of smile excursion postoperatively was also improved with commissure excursion discrepancy decreasing from 8.8 to 3.78 mm (p < .05). Discrepancy in the smile angle when comparing affected to unaffected side improved postoperatively from 10.3 to 5.2 degrees (p < .05). Improvement in oral commissure height was noted, but not statistically significant.ConclusionsThe masseteric-zygomatic nerve transfer is a useful technique for the treatment of eye closure/smile excursion synkinesis after failure of chemodenervation and/or physical therapy.