A Novel Method of Spinal Accessory Nerve Banking Using Silicone Catheter for Functioning Free Muscle Transfer.

In secondary brachial plexus reconstruction, exploring an area that has already been operated on is challenging and time-consuming for a surgeon, especially in centers with a single-team approach. Due to their inertness and lack of adverse effects, silicone Foley catheters were used successfully during the reconstruction of flexor tendons. Based on the concept, we have achieved an acceptable functional outcome by banking the spinal accessory nerve in a silicon catheter for gracilis reanimation, which permits smooth dissection, maintains the length, and shortens the operating time for subsequent reconstruction. Level of Evidence: Level V.

Comparison of neuropathic pain characteristics associated with total brachial plexus injury before and after surgical repair: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to compare clinical characteristics of neuropathic pain associated with total brachial plexus injury before and after surgeries and to correlate possible contributing factors concerning to the pain prognosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with both total brachial plexus injury and neuropathic pain were included. Neuropathic pain was evaluated in terms of pain intensities, symptoms and regions. Pain intensities were evaluated by a visual analogue scale. The Neuropathic Pain Symptoms Inventory questionnaire and body maps were used to compare the pain symptoms and regions. Demographic data, injury and repair information were evaluated to analyze the possible factors influencing the prognosis. RESULTS: The average pain score of all participants was 7.13 ± 2.46 preoperatively and 5.40 ± 2.08 postoperatively. All patients were divided into Pain Relief Group and Pain Aggravation Group. Older age (p = 0.042), machine traction injury (p = 0.019)and nerve transplantation(p = 0.015) seemed to be related with pain aggravation. Paroxysmal pain was aggravated after surgical repairs (p = 0.041), while paresthesia/dysesthesia improved after surgery (p = 0.003). The permanent component of the pain (spontaneous pain) did not show any significant change (p = 0.584). Pain in C5 (p < 0.001) and C6 (p = 0.031) dermatomes got relieved after surgery. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the neuropathic pain of most patients with total brachial plexus injury was alleviated after neurosurgery, and the pain prognosis of different symptoms and regions varied after the nerve repair.

Novel Nerve Transfers for Motor and Sensory Restoration in High Cervical Spinal Cord Injury.

BACKGROUND: Tetraplegia caused by cervical spinal cord injury is devastating for patients and represents a significant public health problem in both developed and developing countries. Improved functional outcomes after nerve transfers are increasingly reported in the literature, but thus far, no options exist for injuries above the C5 level. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report the cases of 2 patients with C4 spinal cord injury, American Spinal Injury Association A, who underwent successful bilateral spinal accessory nerve transfers, on 1 side to the triceps nerve with long intervening sural graft and on the other side direct transfer to the motor fascicles of the middle trunk. Patients improved from Medical Research Council 0 to 4 on the side of the nerve graft and 0 to 2 or 3 on the side of the direct transfer. Both patients also underwent transfer of the greater auricular nerve to sensory fascicles of the middle trunk, and they experienced sensory recovery in the C6 distribution. Notably, both patients were far removed from the traditional window of nerve transfer surgery at 4 years and almost 11 years out from injury. CONCLUSIONS: We describe 2 successful cases of the first and to date only option for motor and sensory reinnervation in high cervical spinal cord injuries. These procedures provide a robust nerve transfer option capable of improving quality of life in tetraplegic patients. There may be a significant undertreated population of patients with cervical spinal cord injury patients in the United States who were previously considered outside the window for benefiting from nerve transfers but who would benefit from these techniques.

Combined Radial to Axillary and Spinal Accessory Nerve (SAN) to Suprascapular Nerve (SSN) Transfers May Confer Superior Shoulder Abduction Compared with Single SA to SSN Transfer.

BACKGROUND: The restoration of shoulder function after brachial plexus injury is a high priority. Shoulder abduction and stabilization can be achieved by nerve transfer procedures including spinal accessory nerve (SAN) to suprascapular nerve (SSN) and radial to axillary nerve transfer. The objective of this study is to compare functional outcomes after SAN to SSN transfer versus the combined radial to axillary and SA to SSN transfer. METHODS: This retrospective chart review included 14 consecutive patients with brachial plexus injury who underwent SAN to SSN transfer, 4 of whom had both SA to SSN and radial to axillary nerve transfer. RESULTS: SAN to SSN transfer achieved successful shoulder abduction (≥M3) in 64.3% of this cohort (9/14). During the long-term follow-up, patients achieved an average increase of 67.5° in shoulder abduction. There was no association between motor recovery and time from injury to surgery, age, body mass index (BMI), sex, or smoking status. The 4 patients who had SAN to SSN combined with radial to axillary nerve transfer demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the range of abduction (median, 90° vs. 42.5°, respectively; P = 0.022) compared with those who had SAN to SSN transfer alone; however, the difference in Medical Research Council (MRC) grades (MRC > M3) did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with brachial plexus injury and an intact C7 root could benefit from radial to axillary transfer in addition to SAN to SSN transfer. There was no association between recovery of shoulder abduction and time interval from injury to surgery, age, sex, smoking, and BMI.

Comparison of Functional Results After Cross-Face Nerve Graft-, Spinal Accessory Nerve-, and Masseter Nerve-Innervated Gracilis for Facial Paralysis Reconstruction: The Chang Gung Experience.

BACKGROUND: Using functioning free muscle transplantation (FFMT) for facial paralysis and postparalysis facial synkinesis reconstruction is our preferred technique. Gracilis was the first choice of muscle. Three motor neurotizers: cross-face nerve graft (CFNG), spinal accessory nerve (XI) and masseter nerve (V3) have been used as neurotizers for different indications. METHODS: A total of 362 cases of facial reanimation with FFMT were performed between 1986 and 2015. Of these, 350 patients with 361 FFMT were enrolled: 272 (78%) patients were treated by CFNG-gracilis, 56 (15%) by XI-gracilis, and 22 (6%) by V3-gracilis. Smile excursion score, cortical adaptation stage with tickle test for spontaneous smile, facial synkinesis, satisfaction score by questionnaire, and functional facial grading were used for outcome assessment. RESULTS: The CFNG-gracilis in a 2-stage procedure achieved most natural and spontaneous smile when longer observation (≥2 years) was followed. The single-stage procedure using the XI-gracilis has proven a good alternative. V3-gracilis provided high smile excursion score in the shortest rehabilitation period, but never obtained spontaneous smile. CONCLUSIONS: The CFNG-gracilis remains our first choice for facial paralysis reconstruction which can achieve natural and spontaneous smile. XI- or V3-gracilis can be selected as a save procedure when CFNG-gracilis fails. The V3-gracilis is indicated in some specific conditions, such as bilateral Möbius syndrome, older patients (age, >70 years), or patients with malignant disease.

A novel method of lengthening the accessory nerve for direct coaptation during nerve repair and nerve transfer procedures.

OBJECTIVE The accessory nerve is frequently repaired or used for nerve transfer. The length of accessory nerve available is often insufficient or marginal (under tension) for allowing direct coaptation during nerve repair or nerve transfer (neurotization), necessitating an interpositional graft. An attractive maneuver would facilitate lengthening of the accessory nerve for direct coaptation. The aim of the present study was to identify an anatomical method for such lengthening. METHODS In 20 adult cadavers, the C-2 or C-3 connections to the accessory nerve were identified medial to the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle and the anatomy of the accessory nerve/cervical nerve fibers within the SCM was documented. The cervical nerve connections were cut. Lengths of the accessory nerve were measured. Samples of the cut C-2 and C-3 nerves were examined using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The anatomy and adjacent neural connections within the SCM are complicated. However, after the accessory nerve was "detethered" from within the SCM and following transection, the additional length of the accessory nerve increased from a mean of 6 cm to a mean of 10.5 cm (increase of 4.5 cm) after cutting the C-2 connections, and from a mean of 6 cm to a mean length of 9 cm (increase of 3.5 cm) after cutting the C-3 connections. The additional length of accessory nerve even allowed direct repair of an infraclavicular target (i.e., the proximal musculocutaneous nerve). The cervical nerve connections were shown not to contain motor fibers. CONCLUSIONS An additional length of the accessory nerve made available in the posterior cervical triangle can facilitate direct repair or neurotization procedures, thus eliminating the need for an interpositional nerve graft, decreasing the time/distance for regeneration and potentially improving clinical outcomes.

Restoration of active pick-up function in patients with total brachial plexus avulsion injuries.

We designed multiple nerve transfers in one surgery to restore active pick-up function in patients with total brachial plexus avulsion injuries. Forty patients with total brachial plexus avulsion injuries first underwent multiple nerve transfers. These included transfer of the accessory nerve onto the suprascapular nerve to recover shoulder abduction, contralateral C7 nerve onto the lower trunk via the modified prespinal route with direct coaptation to restore lower trunk function and onto the musculocutaneous nerve with interpositional bridging by medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve arising from lower trunk to restore elbow flexion, and the phrenic nerve onto the posterior division of lower trunk to recover elbow and finger extension. At least three years after surgery, the patients who had a meaningful recovery were selected to perform secondary reconstruction to restore active pick-up function. Active pick-up function was successfully restored in ten patients after they underwent multiple nerve transfers combined with additional secondary functional hand reconstructions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Spinal accessory nerve to triceps muscle transfer using long autologous nerve grafts for recovery of elbow extension in traumatic brachial plexus injuries.

Despite continuous improvement and expansion of reconstructive options for traumatic brachial plexus injury, options to reinnervate the triceps muscle remain somewhat sparse. This study describes a novel option, using a spinal accessory nerve transfer to the long head of the triceps muscle with an intervening autologous nerve graft. The resulting quality of elbow extension and factors that influence outcome are discussed.

Facial reanimation surgery in Möbius syndrome: Experience from 76 cases from a tertiary referral hospital in Latin America.

INTRODUCTION: Möbius syndrome is defined as a combined congenital bilateral facial and abducens nerve palsies. The main goal of treatment is to provide facial reanimation by means of a dynamic surgical procedure. The microneurovascular transfer of a free muscle transplant is the procedure of choice for facial animation in a child with facial paralysis. OBSERVATION: Between January 2008 and January 2017, 124 patients with the syndrome have been approached at our institution. Distribution according to Möbius Syndrome classification presents as follows: Complete Möbius syndrome (n=88), Incomplete Möbius syndrome (n=28), Möbius-Like syndrome (n=8). Seventy-nine female and 45 male patients. Sixty-one percent have undergone a microsurgical procedure (n=76), in all of them, a free gracilis flap transfer was performed. DISCUSSION: Our proposed treatment protocol for complete Möbius syndrome is determined by the available donor nerves. We prefer to use the masseteric nerve as first choice, however, if this nerve is not available, then our second choice is the spinal accesory nerve. For this purpose, all patients have an electromyography performed preoperatively. Overall, dynamic facial reanimation obtained through the microvascular transfer of the gracilis muscle have proved to improve notoriously oral comissure excursion and speech intelligibility. CONCLUSION: The free gracilis flap transfer is a reproducible procedure for patients with Möbius syndrome. It is of utmost importance to select the best motor nerve possible, based on an individualized preoperative clinical and electromyographic evaluation. To our best knowledge, this is the largest series of patients with Möbius syndrome globally, treated at a single-institution.

C8 cross transfer for the treatment of caudal brachial plexus avulsion in three dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cervical nerve 8 cross-transfer technique (C8CT) as a part of surgical treatment of caudal brachial plexus avulsion (BPA) in the dog. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs suspected to have caudal BPA based on neurological examination and electrophysiological testing (n = 3). METHODS: The distal stump of the surgically transected contralateral C8 ventral branch (donor) was bridged to the proximal stump of the avulsed C8 ventral branch (recipient) and secured with 9-0 polypropylene suture under an operating microscope. A carpal panarthrodesis was performed on the injured limb after C8CT. RESULTS: Surgical exploration confirmed avulsion of nerve roots C7, C8, and T1 in all cases. There was no evidence of an iatrogenic effect on the donor forelimb. Gradual improvement in function of the affected forelimb occurred in all dogs, with eventual recovery of voluntary elbow extension. Reinnervation was evident in EMG recordings 6 months postoperatively in all three dogs. Stimulation of the donor C8 ventral branch led to motor evoked potentials in the avulsed side triceps brachialis and radial carpus extensor muscles. Variable functional outcome was observed in the 3 dogs during clinical evaluation 3-4 years after surgery. Digital abrasion wounds, distal interphalangeal infectious arthritis, and self-mutilation necessitated distal phalanx amputation of digits 3 and 4 in 2 dogs. CONCLUSION: C8CT provided partial reconnection of the donor C8 ventral branch to the avulsed brachial plexus in the 3 dogs of this series. Reinnervation resulted in active elbow extension and promoted functional recovery in the affected limb.

Donor nerve sources in free functional gracilis muscle transfer for elbow flexion in adult brachial plexus injury.

BACKGROUND: With complete plexus injuries or late presentation, free functional muscle transfer (FFMT) becomes the primary option of functional restoration. Our purpose is to review cases over a 10-year period of free functioning gracilis muscle transfer after brachial plexus injury to evaluate the effect of different donor nerves used to reinnervate the FFMT on functional outcome. METHODS: A retrospective study from April 2001 to January 2011 of a single surgeon's practice was undertaken. During this time period 22 patients underwent FFMT at Washington University in St Louis, Missouri for elbow flexion. RESULTS: Thirteen patients for whom FFMT was performed for elbow flexion met all of the requirements for inclusion in this study. Average time from injury to first operation was 12.8 months (range 4-60), and average time from injury to FFMT was 29 months (range 8-68). Average follow-up was 31.8 months (range 11-84). The nerve donors utilized included the distal accessory nerve, intercostal with or without rectus abdominis nerves, medial pectoral nerves, thoracodorsal nerve, and flexor carpi ulnaris fascicle of ulnar nerve. Functional recovery of elbow flexion was measured using the MRC grading system which showed 1 M5/5, 5 M4, 4 M3, and 3 M2 outcomes. CONCLUSION: Intraplexal donor motor nerves if available will provide better transferred muscle function because they are higher quality donors closer to the muscle and can be done in one stage without a nerve graft. Otherwise, intercostal, rectus abdominis, or the distal accessory nerve should be used in a staged fashion. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:377-382, 2017.

Restoration of shoulder abduction in brachial plexus avulsion injuries with double neurotization from the spinal accessory nerve: a report of 13 cases.

In upper (C5-C7) and total (C5-T1) root avulsion brachial plexus injury, a method of double neurotization from a single donor spinal accessory nerve to two target nerves (suprascapular nerve and axillary nerve) may be done, leaving donor nerves available for reconstruction procedures to restore other aspects of upper limb function. A mean range of shoulder abduction of 91° (SD 25°) was achieved through this procedure in our study of 13 cases, of which seven cases were C5-C7 root avulsion and six cases were C5-T1 root avulsion brachial plexus injuries. Six of the former group and three of the latter group achieved >90° shoulder abduction. The technique of double neurotization from a single donor nerve provides favourable results in restoring shoulder abduction in avulsion brachial plexus injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

The Spinal Accessory Nerve for Functional Muscle Innervation in Facial Reanimation Surgery: An Anatomical and Histomorphometric Study.

INTRODUCTION: Facial reanimation surgery is performed in severe cases of facial palsy to restore facial function. In a 1-stage procedure, the spinal accessory nerve can be used as a donor nerve to power a free gracilis muscle transplant for the reanimation of the mouth. The aim of this study was to describe the surgical anatomy of the spinal accessory nerve, provide a guide for reliable donor nerve dissection, and analyze the available donor axon counts. METHODS: Dissections were performed on 10 nonembalmed cadavers (measurements of 20 nerves). Surgical anatomy of the spinal accessory nerve was described and distances to important landmarks were measured. Nerve biopsies were obtained of the main nerve trunk distal to the skull base, caudoposterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, proximal to the trapezius muscle and at the level of donor nerve harvest to analyze the myelinated axon count throughout the course of the spinal accessory nerve. The donor nerve length and available donor nerve axon count were the primary outcome parameters in this study. RESULTS: The mean donor nerve length was 11.6 cm. The spinal accessory nerve was transferred to the mandibular angle without tension for ideal coaptation to the free muscle transplant. After retraction of the trapezius muscle, a small distal nerve branch that leaves the main nerve trunk at a 90-degree angle medially was used as a landmark to indicate the level of donor nerve transection. On average, 1400 myelinated donor axons were available for innervation of the gracilis muscle transplant. CONCLUSIONS: This study gives a practical guide for spinal accessory nerve dissection for its application in facial reanimation as a motor source for the innervation of a free muscle transplant.

Selective Neurotization of the Infraspinatus Muscle in Brachial Plexus Birth Injury Patients Using the Accessory Nerve.

The authors present a new technique to improve active shoulder external rotation in patients with brachial plexus birth injury. Eight brachial plexus birth injury patients (aged 1.5 to 4.7 years) lacking active external rotation in adduction (<10 degrees) with congruent glenohumeral joints and no significant internal rotation contracture (passive external rotation >45 degrees) underwent neurotization of the infraspinatus branch of the suprascapular nerve with the spinal accessory nerve. Active and passive range of shoulder motion was measured postoperatively (3, 6, and 12 months). Parents' satisfaction was assessed. At 1-year follow-up, mean improvement for active external rotation was 47 degrees (range, 20 to 85 degrees) in adduction and 49 degrees (range, 5 to 85 degrees) in abduction. All but one patient's parents were satisfied. Functionally significant active external rotation can be restored in brachial plexus birth injury by direct neurotization of the infraspinatus muscle.

Transfer of the rhomboid nerve to the suprascapular nerve: An anatomical feasibility study.

Paralysis of the suprascapular nerve, in partial injuries of the brachial plexus, most often warrants a nerve transfer. Transfer of the spinal accessory nerve to the suprascapular nerve is performed most often. We propose to directly transfer the nerve of the rhomboid muscles (branch of the dorsal scapular nerve) to the suprascapular nerve in the supraspinatus fossa. This anatomical study included 10 shoulders. Dissection of the suprascapular nerve and the branch of dorsal scapular nerve to rhomboid muscles (rhomboid nerve) was performed through a posterior approach. Once the nerves were freed, the possibility of suturing the two nerves together was evaluated. Tensionless suture of the rhomboid nerve to the suprascapular nerve was possible in all shoulders in this study. In addition, the diameter of the two nerves was macroscopically compatible: the average diameter of the rhomboid and suprascapular nerve was 2.9 and 3mm, respectively. The diameter of the rhomboid nerve is more suitable than that of the spinal accessory nerve for a transfer to the suprascapular nerve. Moreover, the spinal accessory nerve is preserved in this technique, thereby preserving the function of the trapezius muscle, which could be used for muscle transfer if the nerve surgery fails. In addition, use of the rhomboid nerve allows the suture to be performed downstream to the suprascapular notch and avoids poor results linked to multilevel injuries of this nerve. Finally, if the posterior approach is extended laterally, associated transfer of the nerve to the long head of the triceps brachii to the axillary nerve is also possible. Rhomboid nerve transfer to the suprascapular nerve is anatomically possible. A clinical study will now be necessary to confirm this hypothesis and set out preliminary results.

Long-term outcome of accessory nerve to suprascapular nerve transfer in obstetric brachial plexus lesion: functional, morphological, and electrophysiological results.

PURPOSE: An accessory to suprascapular nerve (XIN-SSN) transfer is considered in patients with obstetric brachial plexus lesion who fail to recover active shoulder external rotation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of extraplexal suprascapular nerve neurotization and to perform a detailed analysis of the infraspinatus muscle (IM) and shoulder external rotation. METHODS: A XIN-SSN transfer was performed in 14 patients between 2000 and 2007. Patients had been operated at the age of 3.7 ± 2.8 years. Follow-up examinations were conducted up to 8.5 ± 2.5 years. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to investigate muscle trophism. Fatty muscle degeneration of the IM was classified according to the Goutallier classification. We conducted nerve conduction velocity studies of the suprascapular nerve and needle electromyography of the IM to assess pathologic spontaneous activity and interference patterns. Active glenohumeral shoulder external rotation and global shoulder function were evaluated using the Mallet score. RESULTS: Postoperatively, growth of the IM increased equally on the affected and unaffected sides, although significant differences of muscle thickness persisted over time. There was only grade 1 or 2 fatty degeneration pre- and postoperatively. Electromyography of the IM revealed a full interference pattern in all except one patient, and there was no pathological spontaneous activity. Glenohumeral external rotation as well as global shoulder function increased significantly. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the anastomosis after XIN-SSN transfer is functional and that successful reinnervation of the infraspinatus muscle may enable true glenohumeral active external rotation.

Distal nerve transfers are effective in treating patients with upper trunk obstetrical brachial plexus injuries: an early experience.

BACKGROUND: Current surgical management of obstetrical brachial plexus injury is primary reconstruction with sural nerve grafts. Recently, the nerve-to-nerve transfer technique has been used to treat brachial plexus injury in adults, affording the benefit of distal coaptations that minimize regenerative distance. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that nerve transfers are effective in reconstructing isolated upper trunk obstetrical brachial plexus injuries. METHODS: Ten patients aged 10 to 18 months were treated with three nerve transfers: spinal accessory nerve to the suprascapular nerve for shoulder abduction and external rotation; a radial to axillary nerve for shoulder abduction; and ulnar or median nerve transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve for elbow flexion. Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using the Active Movement Scale. All patients were followed regularly for up to 2 years. RESULTS: Improvement in elbow and shoulder function was observed between 6 and 24 months. By 6 months, all patients passed the cookie test. At 24 months, shoulder abduction improved from 3.7 ± 0.6 to 5.0 ± 0.5, shoulder external rotation from 1.8 ± 0.4 to 4.3 ± 0.6, shoulder flexion from 3.7 ± 0.5 to 5.4 ± 0.5, elbow flexion from 3.7 ± 0.6 to 6.3 ± 0.2, and forearm supination from 2.1 ± 0.4 to 5.9 ± 0.2. There was no clinically appreciable donor-site morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Nerve transfers reduced operative times compared with traditional nerve grafting procedures. Those patients showed significant gains in Active Movement Scale score by 24 months postoperatively, comparable to results achieved by nerve grafting. These findings support nerve transfers as a potential alternative treatment option for upper trunk obstetrical brachial plexus injuries. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Early post-operative results after repair of traumatic brachial plexus palsy.

AIM: Treatment options for traumatic brachial plexus injuries include nerve grafting, or neurotization. The type of lesion and the reconstructive procedures affect functional results and postoperative pain relief. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total number of twenty five patients suffering from post-traumatic brachial plexus injury were included in the study. The patients underwent exploration and primary repair of the affected plexus, based on case by case policy. RESULTS: Spinal accessory nerve transfer to suprascapular nerve procedure regained 78.95% of functional muscle power, 10.50% of non functional muscle power and only 10.5 % of non innervated muscle. The Oberlin procedure regained 83.33% with elbow flexion muscle power, 16.67% with non functional muscle power. Intercostal nerve transfer to musculocutaneous nerve regained 62.5% with functional muscle power, 25% with non functional muscle power and only 12.5 % with non innervated muscle. The shoulder, elbow and wrist extension functions were significantly improved early post-operatively. In addition, the post-operative improvement of shoulder, elbow and wrist extension functions had significant negative correlations with the pre-operative elapsed time, and accompanied by a significant positive correlation with post-operative follow up period. CONCLUSION: Early intervention for traumatic brachial plexus palsy is recommended to get good results with pain relief.

One-stage reconstruction for bilateral Möbius syndrome: simultaneous use of bilateral spinal accessory nerves to innervate 2 free muscles for facial reanimation.

BACKGROUND: Möbius syndrome (MS) can present with unilateral or bilateral facial paralysis. In performing 1-stage bilateral MS facial reanimation, we used bilateral spinal accessory (XI) nerves to innervate 2 free functional muscle transfers (FFMTs). METHODS: Of 12 MS patients, 6 had bilateral facial paralysis. Bilateral gracilis were transferred and innervated using bilateral XI nerves. Results were evaluated using smile excursion score, cortical adaptation stage, and patient satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: In all, 13 FFMTs were performed (with 1 gracilis failure). Mean smile excursion score improved from 0.7 to 3.4 (out of 5) postoperatively. Four patients achieved spontaneous smile, 1 achieved independent smile, and 1 achieved dependent smile. Mean satisfaction score was 2.8 (out of 5). CONCLUSIONS: One-stage bilateral FFMTs neurotized by bilateral XI nerves are effective in treating bilateral MS patients. Careful patient selection, adequate neurologic and psychologic examination, and postoperative smile training are all important factors in achieving optimal outcomes.