Comparative Study of the Latissimus Dorsi and Gracilis Muscle Reconstruction for Reanimation of a Paralyzed Face.

Kang, Dong Hee; Lim, Chan Su; Koo, Sang Hwan; Park, Seung Ha

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Original Article

Journal of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons 2007;34(3):336-341.
Published online May 1, 2007.

Comparative Study of the Latissimus Dorsi and Gracilis Muscle Reconstruction for Reanimation of a Paralyzed Face.

Dong Hee Kang, Chan Su Lim, Sang Hwan Koo, Seung Ha Park

¹Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Dankook University Hospital, Cheonan, Korea.
²Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Korea University Hospital, Seoul, Korea. shp98@korea.ac.kr

Abstract

PURPOSE
The most accepted method for the reanimation of a paralyzed face is the two-stage method that combines cross-face nerve grafting with free-muscle transfer. Although the results of reconstruction with this method are satisfactory, there is an excessive delay between the stages, which prolongs the period of rehabilitation. In order to overcome this drawback, a one- stage, neurovascular free-flap reconstruction method using free neurovascular muscle flaps is introduced. METHODS: From 1994 to 2004, 35 patients with longstanding facial palsy were treated. Fifteen patients underwent the single-stage reconstruction with the latissimus dorsi muscle, and 20 patients underwent the two-stage reconstruction method with the gracilis muscle. We compared the long-term results of the two methods of reconstruction. The mean follow-up period was 28.7 months for one-stage reconstruction, and 35.2 months for the two-stage, respectively.
RESULTS
In the patient group of the single stage reconstruction, both mouth corner excursion and animation grade were markedly improved at the final postoperative visit. Moreover, the first muscle contraction occurred earlier in this group, than in the two-stage reconstruction group. However, four patients in the single stage group never achieved a first muscle contraction or mouth corner excursion.
CONCLUSION
Facial palsy is a very challenging condition for cosmetic surgeons to deal with. Traditional methods for treatment of chronic facial palsy use a two- stage muscle flap which is time-consuming and burdensome to patients, many of whom are averse to waiting 8 to 12 months to complete the two stages. The one- stage reconstruction method described herein uses a atissimus dorsi free-flap and has demonstrated consistent positive outcomes in clinical assessments.

Keywords: Facial palsy; LD free flap; Gracilis muscle free flap

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