Abstract
Introduction:
Facial paralysis is a challenging condition that affects both function and quality of life. Numerous surgical techniques have been described for facial reanimation, including nerve-based reconstruction methods. The choice of the most suitable approach depends on factors such as etiology, duration of paralysis, patient age, residual nerve status, and surgeon preference.
Objective:
To measure facial movement and symmetry among patients with flaccid facial paralysis who underwent triple nerve transfer surgery, hypothesizing that those receiving this approach will demonstrate improved facial movement and quality-of-life outcomes as measured by Emotrics and FaCE scores.
Methods:
Twelve patients underwent selective triple nerve transfer surgery in our center. Outcomes were assessed using artificial intelligence–based facial analysis tools and the Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE) Scale.
Results:
The mean oral commissure excursion improved from 20.31 ± 5.7 mm preoperatively to 29.79 ± 5.54 mm postoperatively (p < 0.05). Dental exposure improved from 0.13 ± 0.08 mm to 3.64 ± 1.12 mm (p < 0.05). The mean FaCE Scale score increased from 34 to 50.3 (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
These findings suggest triple nerve transfer improves voluntary smile symmetry and quality of life in patients with complete facial paralysis.
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Supplementary Material
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