Anatomical variation in the cervical branch of the facial nerve: a systematic review.
Joseph Pathiparampil Mano, Shubham Dave, Mohammed Faraaz Saiyed et al.
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From the abstract
There is a paucity of literature on the anatomical variations of the cervical branch of the facial nerve (CBFN). Poor awareness of its anatomy and variations risks intraoperative damage, misdiagnosis of facial nerve injury and undesirable functional and aesthetic outcomes for patients.
Reported results
Thirty-five papers with a collated sample size of 867 hemi-necks were identified: 25 with anatomical dissections and 10 case reports. The mean number of CBFN branches was 1.34 (sensitivity range 1.31-1.36). Communication with the marginal mandibular nerve, transverse cervical nerve and great auricular nerve was variable, with prevalences ranging from 22-97%.
Authors' conclusions
The cervical branch of the facial nerve displays wide variability in its course. Pre-operative mapping, careful dissection and intra-operative nerve stimulation to aid accurate identification are recommended to prevent iatrogenic damage.