Dynamic facial reanimation with orthodromic temporalis tendon transfer in children

IMPORTANCE: To our knowledge, orthodromic temporalis tendon transfer (OTTT) for dynamic facial reanimation has not been described for use in children. OBSERVATIONS: Three pediatric patients with permanent facial paralysis underwent OTTT using our modified technique between August 30, 2010, and January 23, 2012. Outcomes were assessed by the surgeons, patients, and patient families, with the longest follow-up period being 13 months after surgery. Two patients were 4 years old at the time of surgery, and the third patient was 17 years old. All underwent upper eyelid gold weight placement and OTTT. The hospital length of stay was 1 to 2 nights. By the first postoperative visit, all patients exhibited improved symmetry at rest, creation of a melolabial crease, and voluntary movement of the oral commissure and smile production without physical therapy. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The OTTT for dynamic facial reanimation in children seems to be safe and effective. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of this procedure in pediatric patients. This procedure has an advantage over free muscle transfer procedures in achieving immediate dynamic reanimation in a single-stage surgical procedure, without significant additional donor site morbidity. This is an important procedure in our armamentarium for treating pediatric facial paralysis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4.