Superior Rectus Transposition and Medial Rectus Recession for Treatment of Duane Retraction Syndrome and Sixth Nerve Palsy

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To evaluate the outcome of augmented superior rectus transposition (SRT) with medial rectus (MR) recession in patients with Duane Retraction Syndrome (DRS) and sixth nerve palsy.

Methods: Twenty four patients (16 DRS and 8 sixth nerve palsy) that underwent the procedure were included. The superior rectus muscle was secured, detached, and re-attached to the sclera along the spiral of Tilaux, adjacent to lateral rectus insertion. A non-absorbable augmentation suture was passed through the sclera, 8 mm posterior to the insertion of the lateral rectus.

Results: At the last follow-up, the effect of surgery in decreasing esotropia in both groups was significant (P = .001 for DRS group, P = .002 for sixth nerve palsy). In both groups, abduction deficit improved significantly (P < .001 for DRS and P = .008 for sixth nerve palsy). After the surgery, small, asymptomatic vertical deviation in primary position was induced in five patients (20.8%). Post-operatively, none of the patients complained of torsional diplopia. In the 6-month follow-up, compared with the first postoperative visit, an eso-drift at distance or near developed in 11 patients (45.8%). Of the 11 patients with eso-drift, overcorrection (exotropia of 3–14 PD) was present at the first post-operative visit in 5 cases. Four cases showed an exo-drift (2–5 PD) at distance or near over time.

Conclusion: SRT with medial rectus recession improves esotropia and abduction limitation without inducing significant vertical deviations and torsional diplopia. Some of the cases that underwent SRT with MR recession may show an eso-drift. The eso-drift can correct initial exotropia in some cases.

KEYWORDS:

• Superior rectus transposition
• SRT
• Duane Retraction Syndrome
• DRS
• sixth nerve palsy
• eso-drift

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.