Split hypoglossal facial anastomosis for facial nerve palsy due to skull base fractures: A case report

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most prevalent causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The biomechanics of primary TBI involve a direct impact, practically extended to the base of the skull, and most of the skull base fractures (SBF) are identified in anterior and medial cranial fossa. Furthermore, those predicted in the medial area are related to fissures from temporal bones. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report two cases of right facial nerve palsy initiated by SBF's, which were diagnosed and treated at our institution. The 3D CT evaluation in our first case showed a longitudinal fracture of the right petrosal bone, which was longitudinal and transverse for the second case. Two cases of facial nerve palsy were managed with split hypoglossal facial anastomosis to restore functional reanimation. All patients were adequately achieved after the procedure, and the hypoglossal nerve function was preserved. CONCLUSION: Split hypoglossal facial anastomosis technique was used to treat patients with facial nerve paralysis resulting from SBF's. This was to achieve good recovery outcome, in terms of facial reanimation and preservation of tongue function.

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