Facial muscle reanimation using the trigeminal motor nerve: an experimental study in the rabbit.
Surgical repair of facial nerve deficits may be marred by lack of muscle control and donor region paresis. Using New Zealand white rabbits, a study was undertaken to evaluate facial muscle reanimation with a donor source not previously used: the motor division of the trigeminal nerve. The results were compared with the severed facial nerve and hypoglossal-facial coaptation. An atrophy scale was calibrated for facial muscles of the rabbit. Clinical, electromyographic, and histomorphometric findings confirmed that the trigeminal nerve was a suitable donor source. The neurorrhaphy produced an exponential rate of repair.
Frydman
W L
WL
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Illinois, College of Dentistry, Chicago 60612.
Heffez
L B
LB
Jordan
S L
SL
Jacob
A
A
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D000818:Animals; D004576:Electromyography; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007002:Hypoglossal Nerve / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D009046:Motor Neurons; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D011817:Rabbits; D014276:Trigeminal Nerve / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*