Intraneural topography of the extratemporal facial nerve: microsurgical nerve reconstruction.

The fascicular pattern is the most important component of a nerve when a microsurgical reconstruction is made. The intraneural topography of the extratemporal facial nerve does not have a reliable fascicular pattern, although our study in 25 extratemporal facial nerves showed a definite fascicular pattern in the different studied levels. The microanatomic intraneural investigation was made in four different levels; we studied the diameter of the trunk, number and diameter of each fascicle, fascicular pattern, characteristics of the epineurium, perineurium, and interfascicular connective tissue, and extra- and intraneural blood supply.