Novel use of platysma for oral sphincter substitution or countering excessive pull of a free muscle.

BACKGROUND: The present study demonstrates our experience with a novel use of the Platysma in facial reanimation, as a balancing procedure by counteracting an overactive free muscle transfer, and improving oral continence by re-establishing the oral sphincter mechanism.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve patients, nine female (75%) and three male (25%), with a mean age of thirty-eight years (range: 2-66) are presented. Of these, in seven patients (58%) who had excessive excursion of the free muscle, the contralateral pedicled platysma was transferred to counteract the excessive pull. Four patients (33%) underwent bilateral platysma transfer for oral sphincter restoration, while one (8%) had ipsilateral platysma transfer. Evaluation of aesthetic and functional results was performed by a panel of three independent observers, and the long term efficacy of the procedure was assessed through a patient questionnaire.

RESULTS: All patients demonstrated significant upgrading of their oral competence associated with eating, drinking and smiling, as it was confirmed by the behavioural analysis (p<0.01). Six of the ten patients that were available, responded to the Quality of Life Questionnaire. Five out of six were satisfied with their mouth appearance when they smile and five patients have a regular diet and without drooling.

CONCLUSION: A novel use of Platysma transposition is described that can substitute for a paralysed orbicularis oris muscle in restoring oral sphincter function or to counter balance an excessively active free muscle that was previously transferred for smile restoration. This novel Platysma transfer technique is intended to be used as an adjunct to other reanimation procedures.