Abstract
Objective
To compare objective outcomes and complications following temporalis tendon transfer in patients with and without a history of radiation to the parotid bed.
Methods
Retrospective medical chart review comparing dynamic movement of the oral commissure and resting symmetry achieved in 7 irradiated patients (group R) and 7 nonirradiated patients (group N) after temporalis tendon transfer for unilateral facial paralysis.
Results
There were no significant differences between the 2 groups of patients in terms of age, additional facial reanimative procedures, baseline lip position, or follow-up time. Postoperatively, good resting symmetry was achieved in both groups. The mean commissure excursion was significantly inferior in the irradiated group of patients (−1.5 mm in group R vs 2.1 mm in group N; P < .05). Two patients in the irradiated group experienced surgical site infections requiring hospital admission and eventual debridement of their tendon transfers.
Conclusions
Temporalis tendon transfer seems to produce less dynamic movement in patients who have received radiation to the parotid bed, and these patients may also be at higher risk of postoperative infection. Temporalis tendon transfer can achieve good resting symmetry in both irradiated and nonirradiated patients.
Griffin and coauthors compare objective outcomes and complications following temporalis tendon transfer in patients with and without a history of radiation to the parotid bed.
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