Postoperative multimodal rehabilitation for spontaneous smile restoration in severe Moebius syndrome: A case report and a short literature review

Moebius syndrome (MS) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by bilateral facial paralysis, significantly impacting an individual’s ability to convey emotions. The lengthening temporalis myoplasty (LTM) surgery is a crucial palliative intervention that can restore the smile in patients with MS...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:SAGE open medical case reports 2024-01, Vol.12, p.2050313X241271857
Main Authors: Salah, Sana, Belhaj Maaouia, Chaima, Toulgui, Emna, Kalai, Amine, Ben Salah Frih, Zohra, Ben Saad, Helmi
Format: Article
Language:English
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Case Report
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Summary:Moebius syndrome (MS) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by bilateral facial paralysis, significantly impacting an individual’s ability to convey emotions. The lengthening temporalis myoplasty (LTM) surgery is a crucial palliative intervention that can restore the smile in patients with MS by transferring the functional temporalis muscle to the paralyzed facial commissure. However, successful outcomes are closely tied to postoperative functional rehabilitation. This case report details the experience of a 29-year-old woman with severe MS who underwent LTM surgery followed by a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Over a period of 12 months, the patient achieved a spontaneous and symmetrical smile through a three-stage rehabilitation program focused on mandibular, voluntary, and spontaneous smile recovery. Speech therapy and psychological support were also integral components. This case underscores the importance of adopting a holistic approach to ensure successful and enduring outcomes from smile restoration surgery in patients with MS.
ISSN:2050-313X
2050-313X
DOI:10.1177/2050313X241271857