Traumatic Facial Paralysis

In nerve anastomosis, surgeons recognize the desirability of maintaining, by substitution where possible, the functions of all important muscles. In paralysis of the face, no matter whether the spinal accessory or the hypoglossal nerve is used, paralysis of the trapezius and sternomastoid, or of the tongue, has been a necessary result, substituting a lesser for a greater evil. If this can be avoided by a more elaborate operative anastomotic procedure, it is a consummation most earnestly to be desired. The following case gives hope of a more promising future. I believe the complete operation in the cure of facial paralysis has not heretofore been done, and, for this reason, I have embodied considerable detail in the technic and clinical history. Patient.— W. P. B., of Evanston, Ill., aged 26, while in his room at night on Sept. 15, 1908, received a pistol wound, 32 caliber, through his right ear, resulting