Evaluation of functional and morphological results of facial nerve repair by aortic tube and muscle support in a rat model

The facial nerve is a highly functional nerve that contains motor, autonomic, and sensory fibers, and is highly susceptible to injuries in terms of its long anatomical course, neighborhood and superficial location in some regions. It has important functions due to innervation of speech, chewing, swallowing and mimic muscles. Additionally, psychiatric problems may occur because of cosmetic effects following facial nerve injury. For these reasons, reconstruction is of great importance in terms of functional recovery. Despite the developing microsurgical techniques, functional recovery after nerve repair is still not satisfactory. Many studies have been made in order to minimize the negative effects of collateral axonal branching and polyinervation on axonal regeneration. In our study, we aimed to reveal the functional results of facial nerve repair by using aortic tube and platysma muscle model in rats. In conclusion; there was significant difference between aortic tube-platysma muscle and the other groups in terms of polyinervation and collateral axonal branching. However, functional results are not satisfied although the best outcome for vibriseal activity was obtained from aortic tube and platysma muscle group. Key Words: Facial Nerve Injury, Aortic Tube Model, Platysma Muscle