title: Variant anterior digastric muscle transfer for marginal mandibular branch of facial nerve palsy.
abstract: Marginal mandibular branch of facial nerve (MMBFN) palsy is a common consequence of head and neck surgeries. MMBFN palsy results in paralysis of muscles which depress the inferior lip. Current management of MMBFN palsy involves ruination of normal neuromuscular anatomy and physiology to restore symmetry to the mouth. The article outlines the possibility to transfer variant anterior digastric musculature to accomplish reanimation of the mouth without adversely affecting normal nonvariant anatomy. The procedure may have the additional cosmetic benefit of correcting asymmetrical muscular bulk in the submental region.
authors.affiliation: Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, W.Va.
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Zdilla