A permanent facial paralysis leads to functional and psychosocial problems. The gold
standard procedure for facial nerve reanimation is the facial nerve reconstruction
by neuroplasty. It was the aim to evaluate quality of life, function and reinnervation
after facial nerve reconstruction.
The study is based on a single-center retrospective cohort study of 51 patients who
received a nerve reconstruction between 2006-2018. Besides direct nerve suture and
reconstruction with interposition graft the hypoglossal-facial jump nerve suture (HFJA)
and its modifications were mainly used. Quality of life was investigated by using
facial clinimetric evaluation (FaCE). Facial function was assessed by Sunnybrook Facial
Grading Scale (SFGS) and eFACE by using postoperative standardized photo documentation.
Postoperative reinnervation was measured by using EMG.
43 patients showed a satisfying facial function after reconstruction. A significant
improvement of quality of life was shown by reinnervation of M. frontalis (FaCE social
function without (mean = 53,6±28,2 N = 7) with (mean = 77,3±22,7 N = 25) reinnervation;
p = 0,041) and M. orbicularis oris (FaCE Total score without (mean = 40,2±15,5 N = 7)
with (mean = 58,3±17,1 N = 27) reinnervation; p = 0,023). Younger age (FaCE comfort
score r=-0,346; p = 0,033; N = 38) and male sex (FaCE eye comfort score, female (mean = 34,03±32,31
N = 18), male (mean = 53,13±28,06 N = 20) p = 0,048) influenced quality of life. SFGS
correlated to quality of life (r = 0,422 N = 35 p = 0,012). There was no good correlation
between eFACE and quality of life.
Facial nerve reconstruction is effective for improving quality of life in patients
with long-term facial paralysis.
Poster-PDF
A-1554.PDF
