Revisiting Orthodromic Temporalis Transfer in Treating Long-Standing Facial Paralysis

Abstract

The treatment of long-standing facial paralysis through temporalis muscle transfer has stood the test of time. Herein, we present a modification in temporalis muscle transfer for lower facial reanimation. Instead of the traditional stripping of the temporalis muscle from its origin, its insertion is stripped from the coronoid process through an intraoral approach. The detached fibers were then sutured to a fascia lata graft, which was passed and secured to the orbicularis oris to reanimate the corner of the mouth. The procedure is less extensive and provides a direct “orthodromic” line of pull with good muscular excursion and power. This simple procedure has been applied to 12 consecutive cases with long-standing complete facial paralysis presenting to the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic at the Ain-Shams University Hospital over the past 2 years. In addition to symmetry at rest, this easy procedure allowed for good movement of the corner of the mouth with restoration of a balanced smile.