The Use of Platysma for Orbital Reanimation

Underwood, I., Carder, M. and Rea, P. (2015) The Use of Platysma for Orbital Reanimation. International Congress of Clinical Anatomy, University of Rouen, France, 24-27 Jun 2015.

Abstract

Lagophthalmos is the result of the paralysis of orbicularis oculi in facial palsy, which can lead to ulceration of the eye and blindness. Unlike static procedures, muscle transfer surgery allows the restoration of involuntary blink reflexes of the orbicularis oris. As the platysma is like the orbicularis oculi in thickness, it is hypothesised the platysma would be an ideal candidate for muscle transfer surgery. The aim was to determine the neurovasculature of the platysma for reanimation of the orbit. Results were consistent between one platysma from cadaver A (A) and one platysma from cadaver B (B). The number of arterial branches identified in each platysma were as follows: facial artery A-7, B-2; submental artery A-3, B-1; and occipital artery A-1, B-1. The venous drainage branches identified were: anterior jugular vein A-1, B-2; external jugular vein A-2, B-1; and facial vein A-2, B-1. All nerves were identified as branches of the facial nerve: A-7, B-7. From the dissection it was found the posterosuperior lateral portion of platysma was more vascular rich; containing branches from the facial artery and facial vein, as well as the facial nerve. This portion of the muscle therefore has potential for use as a muscle transfer flap in surgery, as the rich neurovascular allows adequate rewiring for dynamic restoration. In particular, the muscle transfer flaps would allow the application of the trouser graft procedure, for reanimation of the whole orbit.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Rea, Professor Paul
• Authors: Underwood, I., Carder, M., and Rea, P.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences