Lip-length and snout indices in Bell's palsy. A comparison with the House grading system.

The lip-length (LL) and snout (S) indices provide information on peri-oral muscular function. They were determined in 18 patients suffering from Bell's palsy and compared with the results obtained by scoring according to the House grading system. A high correlation was found. LL and S indices are continuous variables, which facilitates their statistical evaluation. Results of the House scoring system are given in an ordinal scale and reflect overall facial muscular function. It is concluded that the indices and the House scoring system produce a different kind of information, but they are complementary to each other in the assessment of facial muscular function.