ABSTRACT
Facial nerve injury and facial paralysis are devastating for patients. Although imperfect,
primary repair is currently the best option to restore facial nerve function. Cable,
or interposition, nerve grafting is an acceptable alternative when primary repair
is not possible. Several donor nerves are at the surgeon's disposal. Great auricular,
sural, or medial and lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerves are all easily obtained.
Both primary repair and interposition grafting typically result in better facial function
than do other dynamic and static rehabilitation strategies. Proficient anastomotic
technique and, when necessary, selection of an appropriate interposition graft will
optimize patient outcomes. Promising research is under way that will enhance future
nerve repair and grafting efforts.
KEYWORDS
Facial paralysis - nerve repair - nerve grafting
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J. David KrietM.D. F.A.C.S.
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center
3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160
