Revisiting the anatomic relationship of the marginal mandibular nerve and the posterior facial vein: A cadaveric study

Raja Mohan, Emile N. Brown, Daniel E. Borsuk, Michael R. Christy, Branko Bojovic, Eduardo D. Rodriguez, Amir H. Dorafshar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

In preparation for the donor and recipient facial vascularized composite allotransplant (VCA), the marginal mandibular nerve branch should be identified and co-apted to the recipient's nerve to allow for re-innervation. We describe a method to identify the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve in facial VCA donors and recipients. Through cadaver dissections, the posterior facial vein was traced posteriorly to identify the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve. In cases where we were unable to use this relationship, we found the posterior facial venous system to be diminutive. This technique is useful for finding the marginal mandibular branch when dissecting anterograde to the parotid gland.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)467-468
Number of pages2
JournalAnnals of plastic surgery
Volume72
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Facial nerve anatomy
  • Facial transplantation
  • Marginal mandibular nerve
  • Posterior facial vein
  • Vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Revisiting the anatomic relationship of the marginal mandibular nerve and the posterior facial vein: A cadaveric study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this