Browsing by Author "Ylä-Kotola, Tuija"

Aim. There is a need for a systematic approach to evaluate patients for potential face transplantation (FT). Materials and Methods. Ten patients with severe facial defects treated between 1995-2017 formed the study group. Data was collected from patient charts and examinations. Facial deficiencies were subdivided into different categories: anatomical region (10 regions), facial function, aesthetic defect (range 0-9-worst), impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (15D questionnaire, range 0-1) and social well-being. Immunological status and contraindications were also evaluated. Results. Defect aetiology consisted of burns (4), ballistic injury (3), blunt injury (1), blast injury (1), and neurofibromatosis type I (1). All patients had central facial deficiencies and 6 patients had 8 or more injured regions. All patients had at least partial loss of facial function. The median aesthetic disfigurement score was 7. The median lowering of 15D score was -0.107. None were significantly sensitized although 5 patients had significant contraindications for FT. Three of the 6 patients with a severe overall facial deficiency, were considered as potential FT candidates. Conclusions. We herein propose a comprehensive and systematic tool to evaluate potential candidates for FT. This approach includes assessment of anatomical regions affected, facial function, aesthetics, social well-being and HRQoL.