Introduction
Muscle recession is a type of strabismus surgical procedure that aims to weaken an extraocular muscle by adjusting its insertion posteriorly closer to its origin. The patient is a 14-year-old with dissociated vertical deviation, which can be corrected with recession of the superior rectus muscle.
Methods
A conjunctival incision is made in the fornix. Tenon’s capsule is dissected to expose the superior rectus muscle. The superior rectus muscle is isolated using a Stevens tenotomy hook followed by a Jameson muscle hook. After the remaining Tenon’s attachments are cleared, the muscle is secured at both poles with a double-armed 6-0 VicrylTM suture and double-locking bites. The muscle is then disinserted from the sclera with Manson-Aebli scissors. A caliper is used to mark the predetermined distance of muscle reinsertion. Next, the muscle is reattached to the sclera with partial thickness bites and then tied down to its new location. The conjunctival incision is closed with 6-0 plain gut sutures.
Results
No complications arose during the procedure. Postoperatively, the patient had subconjunctival hemorrhage, injection, and pain that decreased over the following week. Neomycin-polymyxin-dexamethasone drops were applied daily to prevent infection and inflammation. At the three-month follow up, the redness had resolved. The dissociated vertical deviation had improved.
Conclusion
Superior rectus recession is a safe procedure that can effectively treat vertical strabismus.
By: Michelle Huynh
College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
mhuynh@uams.edu
Surgeons:
Brita Rook, MD
Arkansas Children’s Hospital – Department of Ophthalmology, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
BSRook@uams.edu
Joseph Fong, MD
Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
JFong@uams.edu
Video was performed at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Little Rock, AR, USA.