Extratemporal facial paralysis.

Abstract

This report summarizes our experience in the management of extratemporal facial paralysis with a variety of reconstructive techniques and explores those parameters which are considered to be useful in achieving better outcomes. In all, 56 patients with extratemporal facial paralysis were studied. All the patients had a mean follow-up of 5 years (standard deviation: 3.5). Video evaluation was performed by 3 independent assessors at the required follow-up intervals. The final median score for the partial facial paralysis group was significantly higher (4.175) compared with the complete facial paralysis (3.3), P = 0.007. In this series, the only other factor that appeared to influence the final outcome was the denervation time and not the age group, type of facial nerve injury, or method of repair. The concept of dynamic panfacial reconstruction with an individual and tailored to patient's needs approach is demonstrated in all and particularly in bilateral cases.