Miet De Letter1, Sarah Vanhoutte2, Annelies Aerts2, Patrick Santens2, Hubert Vermeersch3, Nathalie Roche4, Filip Stillaert4, Philip Blondeel4, Kristiane Van Lierde5. 1. Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium; Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium. Electronic address: miet.deletter@ugent.be. 2. Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium. 3. Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium. 4. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium. 5. Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Facial allotransplantation constitutes a reconstructive option after extensive damage to facial structures. Functional recovery has been reported but remains an issue. CASE REPORT - METHODS: A patient underwent facial allotransplantation after a ballistic injury with extensive facial tissue damage. Speech motor function was sequentially assessed clinically, along with repeated electromyography of lip movements during a follow-up of 3 years. RESULTS: Facial nerve recovery could be demonstrated within the first month, followed by a gradual increase in electromyographic amplitude and decrease in reaction times. These were accompanied by gradual improvement of clinical assessments. CONCLUSIONS: Axonal recovery starts early after transplantation. Electromyographic testing is sensitive in demonstrating this early recovery, which ultimately results in clinical improvements.
INTRODUCTION: Facial allotransplantation constitutes a reconstructive option after extensive damage to facial structures. Functional recovery has been reported but remains an issue. CASE REPORT - METHODS: A patient underwent facial allotransplantation after a ballistic injury with extensive facial tissue damage. Speech motor function was sequentially assessed clinically, along with repeated electromyography of lip movements during a follow-up of 3 years. RESULTS: Facial nerve recovery could be demonstrated within the first month, followed by a gradual increase in electromyographic amplitude and decrease in reaction times. These were accompanied by gradual improvement of clinical assessments. CONCLUSIONS: Axonal recovery starts early after transplantation. Electromyographic testing is sensitive in demonstrating this early recovery, which ultimately results in clinical improvements.
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