Bilateral transection and reanastomosis of the main trunk of the facial nerve was performed on 18 rats. On one side of each rat, all peripheral branches except the mandibular branch were ligated with silk suture and divided distal to the ligatures. Axon counts after 1, 3, and 6 months showed a statistically significant increase in the number of axons in both the mandibular branch and the main trunk on the side with the peripheral ligation. These data indicate that peripheral branch ligation is a useful adjunct in facial nerve rehabilitation.
FischU.Management of intratemporal facial palsy. Tech Stand Neurosurg1980; 7: 215–38
3.
MattoxDFelixH.The surgical anatomy of the rat facial nerve. Am J Otol1987; 8: 43–7
4.
MorrisJHHudsonARWeddellG.A study of degeneration and regeneration in the divided rat sciatic nerve based on electron microscopy. II. The development of the “regenerating unit.”Z Zelforsch1972; 125: 103–30
5.
SandersFKYoungJZ. The influence of peripheral connection on the diameter of regenerating nerve fibers. J Exper Biol1946; 22: 203–12
6.
OrgelMGTerzisJK. Epineural vs. peripheral repair: an ultra-structural and electrophysiological study of nerve regeneration. Plast Reconstr Surg1977; 60: 80–91
7.
OrgelMGAguayoAWilliamsHB. Sensory nerve regeneration: an experimental study of skin grafts in the rabbit. J Anat1972; 111: 121–35
