Facial Nerve High-Resolution Microanatomy Analysis of the Distal Intratemporal to Extracranial Pes Segment: Reconstructive Implications

Abstract

Background: Current knowledge of facial nerve topography between the stylomastoid foramen to the pes anserinus is very limited. Elucidating this segment’s intraneural microanatomy may be advantageous in certain clinical settings: the planning of nerve grafts for gaps extending from the proximal facial nerve trunk to distal branches or in determining coaptation sites for hypoglossal jump grafts to provide selective upper and lower facial tone. This study is the first to provide high-definition intraneural topography of the aforementioned segment to optimize reconstructive outcomes. Methods: Sixteen facial nerves extending from the second genu to the pes anserinus were harvested from eight cadavers en bloc to preserve orientation. Specimens were imaged by micro–computed tomography using a serial 6-μm protocol and digitally reconstructed three-dimensionally to be analyzed using bioinformatic tools. Results: No clinically significant fascicular separation was noted between 14.4 mm proximal to the stylomastoid foramen until 4.4 mm distal to the foramen. Fascicles remained separate throughout the remainder of the specimen and were found to undergo a mean rotation of 45.5 degrees (P = 0.0002) between 8.9 and 13.7 mm distal to the stylomastoid foramen. This reliable clockwise rotation in left nerves and counterclockwise rotation in right nerves resulted in superficially oriented fascicles entering the upper division of the pes anserinus, whereas deep-oriented fascicles entered the lower division. Conclusion: Intraneural facial nerve topography and rotation are consistent from 4 to 14 mm distal to the stylomastoid foramen, enabling surgeons to accurately place grafts targeted to either the upper or lower face, thus optimizing functional accuracy and minimizing synkinesis.