A comparison of two different techniques for oculomotor torque reduction.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the results of two different surgical techniques: 'Cüppers technique', in which the torque of oculomotor rectus muscles is reduced by suturing the muscle to the globe in the posterior half of the globe; and 'Y-split recessions', in which the muscle torque is reduced by Y-splitting the rectus muscles, and reattaching the two halves at an angle to each other.


METHODS
We carried out a retrospective analysis of the outcome of surgery on 100 patients with infantile esotropia.


RESULTS
Both techniques show a sufficient reduction of strabismus angle variability, and minimal and maximal strabismus angle.


CONCLUSIONS
Both techniques achieve satisfactory results. In addition, the Y-split technique allows for accurate control of the muscle torque and requires no access to the posterior half of the eye, which can facilitate the surgical approach. For a reduction in muscle torque, the Y-split recession is a good alternative to the established Cüppers technique.
Hoerantner
Robert
R
Department of Ophthalmology, Good Sisters Hospital, Ried, Austria. robert.hoerantner@bhs.at
Priglinger
Siegfried
S
Koch
Martina
M
Haslwanter
Thomas
T
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004948:Esotropia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D009760:Nystagmus, Physiologic; D009801:Oculomotor Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015348:Vision, Binocular / Q000502:physiology; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology