Background: Using functioning free muscle transplantation (FFMT) for facial paralysis and postparalysis facial synkinesis reconstruction is our preferred technique. Gracilis was the first choice of muscle. Three motor neurotizers: cross-face nerve graft (CFNG), spinal accessory nerve (XI) and masseter nerve (V3) have been used as neurotizers for different indications.
Methods: A total of 362 cases of facial reanimation with FFMT were performed between 1986 and 2015. Of these, 350 patients with 361 FFMT were enrolled: 272 (78%) patients were treated by CFNG-gracilis, 56 (15%) by XI-gracilis, and 22 (6%) by V3-gracilis. Smile excursion score, cortical adaptation stage with tickle test for spontaneous smile, facial synkinesis, satisfaction score by questionnaire, and functional facial grading were used for outcome assessment.
Results: The CFNG-gracilis in a 2-stage procedure achieved most natural and spontaneous smile when longer observation (≥2 years) was followed. The single-stage procedure using the XI-gracilis has proven a good alternative. V3-gracilis provided high smile excursion score in the shortest rehabilitation period, but never obtained spontaneous smile.
Conclusions: The CFNG-gracilis remains our first choice for facial paralysis reconstruction which can achieve natural and spontaneous smile. XI- or V3-gracilis can be selected as a save procedure when CFNG-gracilis fails. The V3-gracilis is indicated in some specific conditions, such as bilateral Möbius syndrome, older patients (age, >70 years), or patients with malignant disease.