The Role of the Cross Face Nerve Graft in Facial Reanimation and Endoscopic Harvest of the Sural Nerve

Jennifer L Harb; Liliana J Ein

doi:10.1016/j.cxom.2022.09.003

The Role of the Cross Face Nerve Graft in Facial Reanimation and Endoscopic Harvest of the Sural Nerve

Atlas Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2023 Mar;31(1):25-31. doi: 10.1016/j.cxom.2022.09.003.

Authors

Jennifer L Harb¹, Liliana J Ein²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th Street, 5th Floor, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
² Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th Street, 5th Floor, Miami, FL 33136, USA. Electronic address: L.Ein@miami.edu.

PMID: 36754504
DOI: 10.1016/j.cxom.2022.09.003

Abstract

Cross-face nerve grafting (CFNG) allows for spontaneous, involuntary facial movement for patients with irreversible hemifacial paralysis. This technique uses an intact contralateral facial nucleus and nerve as an input and axon source, allowing donor neural input to be routed through a nerve graft across the face. The sural nerve is well equipped for use as a nerve graft due to its length and minimal donor site morbidity. Endoscopic nerve harvest techniques allow for efficient, minimally invasive dissection that improves the integrity of the harvested nerve.

Keywords: Cross-face nerve graft; Endoscopic sural nerve harvest; Facial paralysis; Facial reanimation; Reinnervation; Sural nerve.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Endoscopy
Facial Paralysis* / surgery
Facial Transplantation*
Humans
Neurosurgical Procedures
Sural Nerve* / transplantation