tensor fascia lata (TFL) slings.
Facial nerve reconstruction with TFL slings is a well-established surgical technique aimed at restoring facial symmetry and resting tone in patients with facial nerve palsy. While effective for facial reanimation, the procedure is frequently complicated by postoperative trismus, a condition characterized by restricted mouth opening that can impair eating, speech, oral hygiene, and overall quality of life. Despite its clinical relevance, optimal strategies for early trismus management following facial nerve reconstruction remain poorly defined.
In this prospective feasibility study, the investigators assessed early postoperative rehabilitation using Restorabite, a novel, force-controlled device designed to gently and progressively increase jaw opening. The study included 27 patients who underwent facial nerve reconstruction with TFL slings. Participants initiated Restorabite therapy within a mean of 1.3 weeks following surgery and continued the intervention for 10 weeks.
Clinical outcomes focused on changes in maximal incisal opening (MIO), an objective measure of jaw mobility, along with patient-reported trismus-related quality of life assessed using the Gothenburg Trismus Questionnaire (GTQ). These measures were evaluated during the intervention period and followed longitudinally to determine the durability of response.
Overall, the findings suggest that early initiation of Restorabite therapy is both safe and effective for managing trismus following facial nerve reconstruction with TFL slings. The authors conclude that incorporating early, structured trismus rehabilitation into postoperative care may reduce long-term morbidity and enhance recovery. They note that larger, controlled studies are warranted to further define best practices and optimize outcomes for this patient population.
Adshead, B., Charters, E., Lai, M., Clark, J., Dunn, M., Cheng, K., & Low, T. H. Impact of Early Trismus Intervention Following Facial Nerve Palsy Reconstruction. Head & Neck. https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.70169
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