A novel flap for dynamic reanimation of facial paralysis: microvascular sternohyoid muscle free flap

The main objectives of facial reanimation procedures include restoring facial symmetry at resting state and regaining facial mobility. Static procedures usually provide unsatisfactory results, especially in younger patients. For this reason, over the years, several different surgical alternatives based on autologous, locoregional, or muscle free flaps have been proposed. The gracilis muscle is the gold standard technique for dynamic reanimation of long standing facial paralysis. The excessive muscle bulk and the differences regarding the type of predominant muscle fiber compared to the zygomaticus major force reconstructive surgeons to search for alternatives to the gracilis as a potential free flap for reanimation.

Source: Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - October 28, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Authors: Mario Sant ás Alegret, Antonio Fernández García, Víctor Zafra Vallejo, Álvaro Rivero Calle, Gregorio Sánchez Aniceto Source Type: research