Muscle transplantation by fascicular territory.

In some muscles, distinct and separate portions of the muscle are each under the control of a different fascicle of the motor nerve. Although there is some slight overlap in areas, this unit, a single fascicle muscle territory, is present in the gracilis muscle. Microneurovascular techniques have improved the reliability of muscle transplantation for the reconstruction of facial paralysis. The amount of movement obtained depends on many factors, including the amount of muscle transplanted and the adequacy of its reinnervation. The ability to transplant a small segment of a muscle based on the fascicular territory enables the surgeon to supply the amount of movement that each individual patient requires.