The Effect of Graded Recession and Anteriorization on Unilateral Superior Oblique Palsy

PURPOSE: We wanted to examine the effect of graded recession and anteriorization of the inferior oblique muscle on patients suffering from unilateral superior oblique palsy. METHODS: Inferior oblique muscle graded recession and anteriorization were performed on twenty-two patients (22 eyes) with unilateral superior oblique palsy. The recession and anteriorization were matched to the degree of inferior oblique overaction and hypertropia. The inferior oblique muscle was attached 4 mm posterior to the temporal border of the inferior rectus muscle in six eyes, 3 mm posterior in five eyes, 2 mm posterior in five eyes, 1 mm posterior in five eyes, and parallel to the temporal border in one eye. RESULTS: The average angle of vertical deviation prior to surgery was 11.3 +/- 3.9 prism diopters (PD). The total average correction in the angle of vertical deviation after surgery was 10.8 +/- 3.8 PD. In the parallel group, the average reduction was 14 PD. After surgery, normal inferior oblique muscle action was seen in eighteen of twenty-two eyes (81.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Graded recession and anteriorization of the inferior oblique muscle is thought to be an effective surgical method to treat unilateral superior oblique palsy of less than 15 PD.