Experience with Dynamic and Static Reconstruction in Cases of Facial Paralysis

Abstract

The results are presented of a follow-up investigation of 51 patients suffering from facial paralysis, on whom the 2–stage method practised by the author since 1955 was used in its two variations: the static and the static-dynamic. The temporal muscle was used as a dynamic factor for restoring the mimic motility in the cheek and the lips. Transplanted muscle tendon in the cheek and fascia lata sling in the lips was used to stabilise the paralysed side of the face and to transfer the action of the muscle as a dynamic factor. Of 42 patients now living and with whom we have been in contact, 40 were subjectively satisfied with the result which in 36 cases was reported as combined with a slow further improvement after the operation. The dynamic effect was found objectively satisfactory in 23 cases, in 10 of which the motility was particularly good. The results were controlled by an electromyelographic examination (EMO which verifies the findings, wan the interesting observation that some patients reacted with activity of the relevant temporal muscle when asked to smile. A series of small plastic operations was used to complete the esthetic result for symmetry of the face.