Orthodromic temporalis tendon transfer

Chronic facial paralysis is a challenging clinical entity. One of the primary goals is re-establishment of a dynamic smile, which is so important to everyday social interaction. When the facial muscles are denervated for longer than approximately 2 years, they atrophy and fibrose making nerve transfer procedures ineffective. In these cases, regional or free muscle transfer is necessary to achieve dynamic facial movement. Over the past decade, orthodromic temporalis tendon transfer has become a favored facial reanimative procedure. The surgical technique, and important pre- and postoperative factors, are discussed.