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Case Report: Facial Re-Animation with Temporalis Tendon Transfer After Traumatic Facial Nerve Injury
Robert J. Reitz, III, M.D.
Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals
2021-01-28
Presenter: Robert J.Reitz, III
Affidavit:
I certify that work encompassing this abstract has not been submitted to any other scientific journal or publication and that this case report is the original work of the resident, Robert Reitz, M.D.
Director Name: Edward H. Davidson, M.D.
Author Category: Resident Plastic Surgery
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: Craniomaxillofacial
Hemifacial paralysis is a devastating injury from both a functional and aesthetic perspective. First developed nearly 80 years ago, temporalis tendon transfer technique is a very effective technique to reanimate the face in patients in whom neural reconstruction is not possible. This technique has been shown to provide an effective degree of lateral commissure elevation to closely match the unaffected side.
This case report will discuss the case of a nine year old girl who suffered a devastating facial nerve injury as a toddler resulting in complete left-sided hemiparalysis. The patient underwent transcutaneous temporalis tendon transfer with cadaveric achilles tendon. The purpose of the operation was to improve facial symmetry and give the patient a more natural appearance as she was experiencing teasing and social isolation at school. This case report will begin with an in-depth discuss of the history of facial reanimation surgery, and the pre-operative evaluation and diagnosis of facial paralysis. It will discuss indications for different reanimation techniques, and using our own intra-operative photographs with overlying illustrations, we will clearly outline the surgical steps of the operation, and discuss key anatomy. Finally, we will outline appropriate post-operative care and expectations.
