Muscular subunits transplantation for facial reanimation.
OBJECTIVE
To present an alternative technique for reconstruction of musculocutaneous damages in the face transferring innervated subsegments (subunits) of the latissimus dorsi flap for replacement of various facial mimetic muscles.


METHODS
One clinical case of trauma with skin and mimetic muscles damage is described as an example of the technique. The treatment was performed with microsurgical transfer of latissimus dorsi muscle subunits. Each subunit present shape and dimensions of the respective mimetic muscles replaced. The origin, insertions and force vectors for the mimic muscle lost were considered. Each subsegment has its own arterial and venous supply with a motor nerve component for the muscular unit.


RESULTS
Pre and one year postoperative photos registration of static and dynamic mimic aspects, as well as digital electromyography digital data of the patients were compared. The transplanted muscular units presented myoelectric activity, fulfilling both the functional and cosmetic aspect.


CONCLUSIONS
This technique seems to be a promising way to deal with the complex musculocutaneous losses of the face as well as facial palsy.
Division of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Souza Aguiar City Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. andrehazan@hotmail.com
André Salo Buslik
AS
Hazan
Fábio Xerfan
FX
Nahas
Rodrigo Tiago
RT
Faria
Ramil
R
Sinder
Lydia Masako
LM
Ferreira
D002648:Child; D005149:Facial Expression; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000294:innervation / Q000601:surgery*; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000294:innervation*; D016378:Tissue Transplantation