Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine whether processes of denervation and reinnervation, as measured by electrodiagnostic methods, correlate with clinical function, as measured by three-dimensional (3D) video analysis and whether electrodiagnostic data can serve as a prognostic indicator. Eighteen patients with facial palsy were investigated by 3D video analysis, needle electromyography, and electrical muscle testing at 6, 12, and 18 months after free muscle transplantation for smile reconstruction. Electrophysiological parameters determined 6 months postoperatively correlated significantly with the index of dynamic symmetry 12 and 18 months postoperatively. Processes of reinnervation can be detected earlier by electrophysiological analysis than by quantified clinical analysis. Pathological spontaneous activity alone and combined assessment with motor unit action potentials in the early postoperative stage are strong prognostic indicators.
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