Effect of Epineurial Neurorrhaphy on Restoration of Facial Nerve Injuries with Different Levels of Neurotmesis in a Rat Model: A Pilot Study

For one-third disconnected facial nerve injury, there's no need to suture the nerve stump, although for residual one-third connected nerve injury, direct suture is preferable if permitted than pre-performing a complete transection to trim the stump. Residual one-third connected nerve fibers largely can self-restore. The results from this study indicate that neural functional defect may be attributed to the damage and misdirection of peripheral nerve fibers and central neurons.