Efficacy of marlex mesh on posterior fixation suture: an experimental study in a rabbit model.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a novel method of posterior fixation suture augmented by the application of Marlex mesh and to evaluate the surgical results in a rabbit model.


METHODS
Animal study.


METHODS



METHODS
Prospective, masked-observer, controlled experimental study.


METHODS
Sixty superior rectus muscles of 30 rabbits.


METHODS
Each superior rectus muscle was randomly subjected to posterior fixation suture at a distance of 6 mm from the muscle insertion. The rabbits were divided into 3 groups: conventional posterior fixation suture (Conventional group), and modified posterior fixation suture using a silicone sponge (Silicone group) or using Marlex mesh (Marlex group). Nonabsorbable sutures were used for muscle-sclera (Conventional group) or muscle-implant fixation (Silicone and Marlex group) and absorbable sutures were used for implant-sclera fixation (Silicone and Marlex group).


METHODS
The efficacy of posterior fixation suture was determined by forced duction testing toward the operated-on muscle immediately after the operation and at 8 weeks postoperatively. Eyes were enucleated at 8 weeks after surgery to measure the stability of the bond using a push pull gauge, and finally the histologic findings were evaluated.


RESULTS
Immediately after posterior fixation suture and at 8 weeks postoperatively, the restrictive motion during duction toward the operated-on muscle was greater in the Marlex group compared to the other groups (P < .001). The resistance to separation of the myoscleral union was greatest in the Marlex group (P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
Posterior fixation suture can be effectively reinforced and stabilized using Marlex mesh.
Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.
Hee Kyung
HK
Yang
Sang Beom
SB
Han
Gheeyoung
G
Choe
Sang Won
SW
Hwang
Yeon-Hee
YH
Lee
Jeong-Min
JM
Hwang
D000818:Animals; D023421:Models, Animal; D009801:Oculomotor Muscles / Q000601:surgery*; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011817:Rabbits; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013536:Suture Techniques
D011126:Polypropylenes