Pectoralis minor muscle transfer for unilateral facial palsy reanimation: An experience of 35 years and 637 cases

Background: Free functional muscle transfers are often the treatment of choice for facial reanimation. We describe our experience with 637 cases over a 35-year period. Methods: Data was collected prospectively on all case undergoing functional muscle transfer for unilateral facial paralysis. Results were judged by the operating surgeon and an Independent panel of four observers. Results: 354 patients had an excellent result as judged by the surgeon. An independent panel rated patients to have a significant change pre- and post-operatively comparing their Hay's scores (p < 0.001, t-test). 27.2% of patients required revisional procedures. 13.3% of patients developed late onset tightness of the transferred muscle. Conclusions: Facial reanimation with functional muscle transfers is a complex procedure and provides a significant improvement for the patient to display humour and emotion. (C) 2012 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.