Transplantation of Free Autogenous Muscle in the Treatment of Facial Paralysis: A Clinical Study

In 23 patients with unilateral total or partial facial palsy, 30 free autogenous muscle transplantations were performed. Fourteen of the transplants were made in order to improve eyelid closure, nme, to restore function to the paralysed orbicularis oris muscle and seven to strengthen partially functioning facial muscles. The operative procedures were essentially similar to Thompson's; the techniques are described here in detail. In 23 of the 28 graftings observed for more than 3 months, function was restored to a satisfactory degree.