A pilot study in sub-SMAS face transplantation: defining donor compatibility and assessing outcomes in a cadaver model.
BACKGROUND
Face transplantation may become a viable alternative in the treatment of patients with severe acquired facial deformity. In this study, the authors investigate morphological compatibility between donor and recipient by assessing chimeric outcomes in a human cadaver model.


METHODS
Four faces were harvested from fresh human cadaver specimens in a surgical plane deep to the galea, to the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, and to the platysma. The faces were subsequently exchanged among the four donor crania, simulating full-face transplantations. Eight cranium-face chimera complexes were created and analyzed with standardized photography and with volumetric computed tomographic radiography.


RESULTS
Four morphological parameters to consider in determining donor/recipient compatibility were defined: (1) skin color and texture, (2) head size, (3) soft-tissue features, and (4) gender.


CONCLUSIONS
Careful selection of face donors based on compatibility criteria will aid in ensuring that the posttransplant outcome is morphologically similar to the recipient's native face.
Baccarani
Alessio
A
Durham, N.C. From the Divisions of Plastic, Reconstructive, Maxillofacial, and Oral Surgery, and Neuroradiology, Duke University Medical Center.
Follmar
Keith E
KE
Das
Rajesh R
RR
Mukundan
Srinivasan
S
Marcus
Jeffrey R
JR
Levin
L Scott
LS
Erdmann
Detlev
D
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002102:Cadaver; D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006648:Histocompatibility; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D014019:Tissue Donors; D014180:Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D019737:Transplants