Reunion of the rabbit superior oblique tendon after weakening procedures.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the degree of reunion in rabbit eyes of the superior oblique tendon after several surgical weakening procedures.


METHODS
A total of 32 rabbits (64 eyes) were used in this study. The rabbits were randomly assigned to four groups, eight rabbits (16 eyes) in the tenotomy group, eight rabbits (16 eyes) in the tenectomy group, eight rabbits (16 eyes) in the disinsertion group and eight rabbits (16 eyes) in the recession group. The degree of reunion or reattachment of the superior oblique tendon on the globe were examined on four eyes in each group at postoperative weeks two, four, six and eight.


RESULTS
At eight weeks, the newly created insertion site remained at the same site in all eyes in the recession group, and the distal end of the superior oblique tendon was reattached at the medial border of the superior rectus muscle in all four eyes in the tenotomy and disinsertion groups, and in three of four eyes in the tenectomy group.


CONCLUSIONS
From this experimental study, it was speculated that superior oblique recession is more effective than other superior oblique weakening procedures. This result could be helpful in the prediction of time of recurrence for superior oblique overaction after superior oblique weakening procedures.
Kang
Dae Wook
DW
Department of Ophthalmology Kyungpook National University, School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.
Oh
Ji Hye
JH
Chun
Bo Young
BY
Kwon
Jung Yoon
JY
D000818:Animals; D009801:Oculomotor Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011817:Rabbits; D012828:Silicones; D013710:Tendons / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D014945:Wound Healing
D012828:Silicones