The Tinel Sign and Myelinated Axons in the Cross-Face Nerve Graft: Predictors of Smile Reanimation Outcome for Free Gracilis Muscle Transfer?

What Is This Study About?

This study examined whether the Tinel sign (a tingling sensation when tapping over a nerve) and the number of myelinated axons in a cross-face nerve graft can predict the outcome of free gracilis muscle transfer for smile reanimation. These findings help surgeons time and plan two-stage smile reconstruction surgery.

Key Findings

• The Tinel sign’s progression along the nerve graft helps track nerve regeneration
• Myelinated axon counts in the graft correlate with smile reanimation outcomes
• Provides surgeons with objective predictors to optimize timing of second-stage surgery

What This Means for Patients

For patients undergoing two-stage smile reanimation, these predictive markers help surgeons determine the optimal timing for the muscle transfer, improving the likelihood of a strong, natural smile.