Abstract
An: 2015, Nr.4, Articol Nr. 15
Title: 
FACIAL NERVE TOPOGRAPHY, LANDMARKS, CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
Authors: 
Laura Răducu, R.C. Jecan - “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest; “Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
C.N. Cozma - “Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Raluca Tulin - “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest
A.D. Tulin - “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest; “Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, Department of General Surgery
FACIAL NERVE TOPOGRAPHY, LANDMARKS, CLINICAL IMPORTANCE (Abstract): Introduction: Facial expression provide to people social interaction. Injuries of facial nerve impair nonverbal communication, a complex neuromotor process. Knowledge of the extratemporal topography of the facial nerve is essential for the surgeons in repairing procedures. Method: We performed dissections in four cadavers,hemifacial bilaterally. The facial nerves were traced from the parotid gland distally under the loupe magnifications. The number of nerve branches, distribution, landmarks were noted and documented by photo. Results: The number of nerve branches varied from 7.12 at the anterior parotid border to 12.62 peripherally. There were noted differences in distribution, connectivity and number of nerve branches between the two sides of the face. The mean number of frontal branches was 2.62, of the zygomatic branches 4.25, of the buccal branches 3.12 and of the marginal mandibular branches 1.50. In 60 percent of specimens the buccal branches interconnected with the zygomatic branches and in 40 percent with marginal mandibular branch. Connectivity was found between buccal branches and the infraorbital nerve. Conclusions: The study described the topography of facial nerve and its terminal branches which may benefit the surgeon in dealing with facial reconstructions.
Key words: FACIAL NERVE BRANCHES, DISSECTIONS, FACE RECONSTRUCTION