Domènech-Juan I, Moya R, Zerpa V, Trujillo L, Caballero M, Bárcenas-Padilla L

Language: Spanish
References: 0
Page: 13-19
PDF size: 196.55 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Background: Micro-neurovascular free muscle flap transfer is currently the procedure of choice for long-standing facial paralysis.
Objective: To present the surgical technique, to quantify the movement granted by the muscle and to assess the aesthetic results in a case series of patients treated with gracilis muscle free flap.
Material and Method: A retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study was done with patients with unilateral facial paralysis who underwent free gracilis muscle flap, from 2010 to 2015 in two tertiary hospitals.
Results: There were included 21 patients. It was not reported any failure of the microsuture with survival of all flaps. The muscle movement was quantified by vectors at rest and contraction, the movement granted by the muscle vectors in average was 14 mm. Patients also reported a significant improvement in symmetry at rest as well as oral and ocular competition.
Conclusion: Gracilis muscle flap is a reliable and secure technique that provides adequate functional and aesthetic results