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RACS ASC 2024

Bilateral Static Facial Reanimation in Occulopharyngeal Dystrophy

Poster

Presentation Description

Institution: St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne - VIC, Australia

Purpose: Facial nerve dysfunction profoundly impacts a patient's quality of life, considering its role in communication and expression. While unilateral facial nerve palsy is relatively common, bilateral facial nerve palsy is rare. We present a case of bilateral facial nerve palsy in a patient with occulopharyngeal musculodystrophy (OPMD) and discuss the surgical intervention used for static facial reanimation. Method: A 63-year-old male with known OPMD presented with bilateral facial nerve palsy, primarily affecting salivary control and lower lip ptosis. This condition resulted in salivary control difficulties, constant drooling, dysarthria, and difficulty eating solids. A temporary improvement was achieved using kinesiotape to create a fascial sling. Elective surgery was pursued, involving bilateral meloplasty with fascia lata slings. Fascia lata grafts were harvested from the right thigh and suspended to the nasolabial fold and modiolus. Postoperatively, there were significant cosmetic and functional improvements. Results: Serial photography and patient report outcomes of functional improvement with speech and feeding as well as psychological well-being were collected preoperatively and at one and six weeks post operatively. All results showed promising outcomes with the patient and their spouse reporting a dramatic improvement in functionality. Conclusion: Bilateral facial nerve palsy in OPMD is a rare and challenging condition. We present a review of methods of static facial reanimation and the successful use of fascia lata slings for bilateral static facial reanimation, resulting in improved quality of life for the patient. This approach offers a valuable option for managing this complex and rare condition.

Speakers

Authors

Authors

Dr Nupur Shukla - , Dr Richard Gaule - , Dr James Finkemeyer -