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Heidary G, Aakalu VK, Binenbaum G, Chang MY, Morrison DG, VanderVeen DK, Lambert SR, Trivedi RH, Galvin JA, Pineles SL. Adjustable Sutures in the Treatment of Strabismus: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Ophthalmology 2021; 129:100-109. [PMID: 34446304 PMCID: PMC10187043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2021.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To review the scientific literature that evaluates the effectiveness of adjustable sutures in the management of strabismus for adult and pediatric patients. METHODS Literature searches were performed in the PubMed database through April 2021 with no date limitations and were restricted to publications in English. The searches identified 551 relevant citations, of which 55 were reviewed in full text. Of these, 17 articles met the inclusion criteria and were assigned a level of evidence rating by the panel methodologist. The search included all randomized controlled studies regardless of study size and cohort studies of 100 or more patients comparing the adjustable versus nonadjustable suture technique, with a focus on motor alignment outcomes or reoperation rates. RESULTS The literature search yielded no level I studies. Of the 17 articles that met the inclusion criteria, 11 were rated level II and 6 were rated level III. Among the 12 studies that focused on motor alignment outcomes, 4 small randomized clinical trials (RCTs) did not find a statistically significant difference between groups, although they were powered to detect only very large differences. Seven of 8 nonrandomized studies found a statistically significant difference in motor alignment success in favor of the adjustable suture technique, both overall and in certain subgroups of patients. Successful motor alignment was seen in both exotropia (in 3 studies that were not limited to children) and esotropia (in 1 study of adults and 2 of children). The majority of included studies that reported on reoperation rates found the rates to be lower in patients who underwent strabismus surgery with adjustable sutures, but this finding was not uniformly demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS Although there are no level I studies evaluating the effectiveness of adjustable sutures for strabismus surgery, the majority of nonrandomized studies that met the inclusion criteria for this assessment reported an advantage of the adjustable suture technique over the nonadjustable technique with respect to motor alignment outcomes. This finding was not uniformly demonstrated among all studies reviewed and warrants further investigation in the development and analysis of adjustable suture techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gena Heidary
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Vinay K Aakalu
- Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Gil Binenbaum
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Melinda Y Chang
- Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - David G Morrison
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Deborah K VanderVeen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Scott R Lambert
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Rupal H Trivedi
- Storm Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Jennifer A Galvin
- Eye Physicians and Surgeons PC, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Gawęcki M. Adjustable Versus Nonadjustable Sutures in Strabismus Surgery-Who Benefits the Most? J Clin Med 2020; 9:E292. [PMID: 31973012 PMCID: PMC7073633 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adjustable sutures have been used in strabismus surgery for more than 40 years, but controversy remains regarding their application. This review sought to analyze studies comparing the efficacy of adjustable sutures (AS) and nonadjustable sutures (NAS) in the treatment of different ocular deviations. MATERIALS AND METHODS The PubMed literature database was searched using the keywords 'adjustable sutures' and 'strabismus surgery', yielding a total of 209 results. Only comparative studies were extracted, and the results were divided into three categories: Adult comitant strabismus, childhood comitant strabismus, and paretic/restrictive strabismus. RESULTS The search revealed eleven comparative studies on AS versus NAS in adult strabismus, including only one randomized controlled trial. Five of these studies analyzed just the postoperative success rate, three studies analyzed just the reoperation rate, two studies analyzed both the postoperative success and reoperation rates, and one study evaluated achievement of the postoperative target angle. Three of seven studies analyzing postoperative success reported the statically significant superiority of AS over NAS, while four of five studies analyzing reoperation rate indicated a significantly smaller percentage of reoperations with the use of AS. The study covering postoperative target angle as an outcome favored the AS technique. Separately, the search revealed three comparative studies on AS versus NAS in childhood strabismus, one of which reported a statistically significant advantage with AS. Only four comparative studies on AS versus NAS in paretic or restrictive strabismus were found; all showed a tendency for better results with the use of AS but not in a statistically significant fashion. Overall, out of 18 studies analyzed in this review, 17 suggested better clinical results followed the application of AS versus NAS; however, only a minority had statistically significant results. CONCLUSION The analysis of available research failed to support AS as the preferable surgery technique over NAS in cases of simple and predictive strabismus. Further research is needed to more precisely determine the group of patients able to benefit the most from AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Gawęcki
- Dobry Wzrok Ophthalmological Clinic, Kliniczna 1B/2, 80-402 Gdansk, Poland
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Mühlendyck H, Ehrt O. [Brown's atavistic superior oblique syndrome: etiology of different types of motility disorders in congenital Brown's syndrome]. Ophthalmologe 2020; 117:1-18. [PMID: 31720845 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-019-00988-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
CLINICAL FEATURES The congenital Brown syndrome is characterized by a mechanical limitation of elevation in adduction, with an orthophoria in down gaze. Brown postulated a shortened superior oblique tendon sheath as the cause of the limitation but this was disproved by Parks et al. in 1975 and the origin of Brown syndrome remains unclear. In recent years, a congenital dysinnervation has been discussed; however, this does not explain the full spectrum of abnormalities and especially contradicts the unlimited depression in adduction seen in Brown syndrome. ORIGIN Surgical exploration in Brown true typical cases reveals a fibrotic strand, typically located at the posterior margin of the superior oblique tendon. This strand originates from the trochlear area and has a common insertion with the superior oblique tendon posterior to the equator into the globe. It may represent an atavistic superior oblique muscle as described by Fink in various animals. They do not have a trochlea but a superior oblique muscle originating in the anterior superior nasal orbit. ATYPICAL BROWN SYNDROME A fibrotic strand was also surgically revealed in two cases of atypical Brown syndrome. In the first case an elevation deficit-as in Brown true atypical cases-also present in abduction could be explained by an unusual insertion of the fibrotic strand anterior to the equator. The second case showed a fibrotic strand which was completely separated from the superior oblique tendon and inserted far posterior to the equator nasal to the superior rectus muscle. This finding had not been previously described and explained the total elevation restriction which was suddenly in > 30° adduction and the Y‑pattern exotropia which increased in adduction and decreased in abduction. TREATMENT AND FOLLOW-UP A 10 mm excision of the fibrotic strand from the insertion gives the best results from all procedures. The residual limitation of active elevation in adduction improved with gaze exercises mostly after more than 1 year. CONCLUSION The fibrotic strand, an atavistic superior oblique muscle, not only explains the typical Brown syndrome but also-by its variable insertion-different patterns of elevation deficits seen in atypical Brown syndrome. A 10 mm excision of the strand gives good functional results of abnormal head position (immediate in most cases) and even elevation in adduction (after 1 year in most cases).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oliver Ehrt
- Augenklinik, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Mathildenstraße 8, 80336, München, Deutschland
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Sharma M, MacKinnon S, Zurakowski D, Dagi LR. Consecutive superior oblique palsy after adjustable suture spacer surgery for Brown syndrome: incidence and predicting risk. J AAPOS 2018; 22:335-339.e2. [PMID: 30236966 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2018.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the incidence of and to identify characteristics predicting significant superior oblique palsy (SOP) after adjustable superior oblique suture spacer surgery for treatment of Brown syndrome. METHODS The medical records of patients treated for unilateral Brown syndrome with adjustable suture spacers (2005-2016) were reviewed to identify possible association of age at surgery, spacer length, surgeon performing procedure, severity of Brown syndrome, preoperative hypotropia in primary position and affected side gaze, and reduction in Brown restriction on postoperative superior oblique function. "Good" postoperative superior oblique function was defined as absence of hypertropia and diplopia in primary position and no more than intermittent diplopia in downgaze comfortably fused with ≤4Δ base-down or head tilt of <10°. Presence of postoperative hypertropia in primary position with increase in downgaze met criteria for significant SOP. Postoperative Brown restriction of ≤ -2 indicated resolution of Brown syndrome. RESULTS Median age at surgery was 59 months, interquartile range (IQR) was 32-82 months, and median spacer length was 6 mm (range, 2-7 mm) for 19 included patients. Preoperative median hypotropia was 9Δ (IQR, 0Δ-12Δ) in primary position and 18Δ (IQR, 5Δ-22Δ) in affected side gaze. Of 19 patients, 16 (84%) achieved sufficient resolution of Brown syndrome, but 6 (32%) developed significant SOP. Modest preoperative hypotropia in affected side gaze was the only predictor of significant SOP (likelihood ratio test = 7.11; P = 0.008). Logistic regression modeling enabled estimation of risk of significant SOP based on preoperative side gaze hypotropia. CONCLUSIONS Suture spacer surgery can result in significant SOP. Risk may be predicted by magnitude of preoperative side gaze hypotropia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Medha Sharma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sarah MacKinnon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David Zurakowski
- Departments of Anesthesia and Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Anesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Linda R Dagi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Bata BM, Leske DA, Holmes JM. Adjustable Bilateral Superior Oblique Tendon Advancement for Bilateral Fourth Nerve Palsy. Am J Ophthalmol 2017; 178:115-121. [PMID: 28366647 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2017.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Bilateral fourth nerve palsy may be symmetric or asymmetric with combined vertical and excylotropic deviations and so there may be an advantage to independent adjustment of vertical and torsional components. We report a surgical technique that allows such independent adjustment. DESIGN Retrospective interventional case series. METHODS Fifteen patients, aged 17-73 years, underwent adjustable bilateral superior oblique tendon advancements for bilateral fourth nerve palsy: 11 symmetric (≤2 prism diopters [pd] hyperdeviation in straight-ahead gaze) and 4 asymmetric. Motor alignment was assessed with double Maddox rods and prism and alternate cover tests preoperatively, pre- and postadjustment, and 6 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS Preoperative torsion ranged from 7 to 30 degrees excyclotropia (mean 17 ± 7 degrees) and hyperdeviation from 0 to 10 pd. Preadjustment torsion ranged from 5 degrees excyclotropia to 40 degrees incyclotropia, and hyperdeviation from 0 to 8 pd. Twelve of the 15 patients (80%) were adjusted to a target of 0 pd hyperphoria and 10 degrees incyclotropia (actual mean 9 degrees incyclotropia, range 2-13 degrees incyclotropia). At 6 weeks postoperatively there was expected excyclodrift (to mean 4 degrees excyclotropia, range 0 degrees incyclotropia to 15 degrees excyclotropia), but 13 (87%) had 5 degrees or less excyclotropia and 14 (93%) had 2 pd or less hyperdeviation. Mean torsional correction from preoperative to preadjustment was 31 ± 14 degrees (P < .0001), and from preoperative to 6 weeks was 13 ± 6 degrees (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS Adjustable bilateral superior oblique tendon advancement allows independent control of torsional and vertical components of the deviation, and therefore may be useful in cases of bilateral superior oblique palsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashar M Bata
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - David A Leske
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Abstract
Although adjustable sutures are considered a standard technique in adult strabismus surgery, most surgeons are hesitant to attempt the technique in children, who are believed to be unlikely to cooperate for postoperative assessment and adjustment. Interest in using adjustable sutures in pediatric patients has increased with the development of surgical techniques specific to infants and children. This workshop briefly reviews the literature supporting the use of adjustable sutures in children and presents the approaches currently used by three experienced strabismus surgeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Mark Engel
- Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - David L Guyton
- The Krieger Children's Eye Center at The Wilmer Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - David G Hunter
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this paper is to review different types of superior oblique muscle surgeries, to describe the main areas in clinical practice where superior oblique surgery is required or preferred, and to discuss the preferred types of superior oblique surgery with respect to their clinical outcomes. METHODS A consecutive nonrandomized retrospective series of patients who had undergone superior oblique muscle surgery as a single procedure were enrolled in the study. The diagnosis, clinical features, preoperative and postoperative vertical deviations in primary position, type of surgery, complications, and clinical outcomes were reviewed. The primary outcome measures were the type of strabismus and the type of superior oblique muscle surgery. The secondary outcome measure was the results of the surgeries. RESULTS The review identified 40 (20 male, 20 female) patients with a median age of 6 (2-45) years. Nineteen patients (47.5%) had Brown syndrome, eleven (27.5%) had fourth nerve palsy, and ten (25.0%) had horizontal deviations with A pattern. The most commonly performed surgery was superior oblique tenotomy in 29 (72.5%) patients followed by superior oblique tuck in eleven (27.5%) patients. The amount of vertical deviation in the fourth nerve palsy and Brown syndrome groups (P = 0.01 for both) and the amount of A pattern in the A pattern group were significantly reduced postoperatively (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION Surgery for the superior oblique muscle requires experience and appropriate preoperative evaluation in view of its challenging nature. The main indications are Brown syndrome, fourth nerve palsy, and A pattern deviations. Superior oblique surgery may be effective in terms of pattern collapse and correction of vertical deviations in primary position.
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Comparison of superior oblique suture spacers and superior oblique silicone band expanders. J AAPOS 2012; 16:131-5. [PMID: 22525167 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2011.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2011] [Revised: 09/16/2011] [Accepted: 11/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare suture spacers with silicone band expanders in superior oblique-weakening surgery. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the charts of consecutive patients who had superior oblique weakening with either suture spacers or silicone expanders and had been followed for a minimum follow-up of 6 months. The ductions, versions, and the degree of fundus torsion were analyzed in all patients before and after surgery. In addition, surgery time and postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS The record review identified 25 patients, of whom 13 had been treated with superior oblique muscle suture spacers and 12 with superior oblique muscle silicone expanders. Both groups showed improved ductions and versions. In patients with Brown syndrome, complete normalization of superior oblique muscle overaction occurred in 67% of patients who had suture spacers and 67% of patients who had silicone expanders. In patients with A-pattern strabismus, normal function of the superior oblique muscle occurred in 75% of patients with suture spacers and 67% of patients with silicone expanders. Surgery time was significantly less in patients who had suture spacers. Severe orbital inflammation occurred in 1 patient around the silicone band and was managed by removal of the implant. CONCLUSIONS Both suture spacers and silicone expanders improved the comitance of versions and normalized superior oblique muscle function. Longer surgery time and more severe inflammatory reaction are possible drawbacks of silicone expanders.
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Abstract
Surgical management of strabismus remains a challenge because surgical success rates, short-term and long-term, are not ideal. Adjustable suture strabismus surgery has been available for decades as a tool to potentially enhance the surgical outcomes. Intellectually, it seems logical that having a second chance to improve the outcome of a strabismus procedure should increase the overall success rate and reduce the reoperation rate. Yet, adjustable suture surgery has not gained universal acceptance, partly because Level 1 evidence of its advantages is lacking, and partly because the learning curve for accurate decision making during suture adjustment may span a decade or more. In this review we describe the indications, techniques, and published results of adjustable suture surgery. We will discuss the option of 'no adjustment' in cases with satisfactory alignment with emphasis on recent advances allowing for delayed adjustment. The use of adjustable sutures in special circumstances will also be reviewed. Consistently improved outcomes in the adjustable arm of nearly all retrospective studies support the advantage of the adjustable option, and strabismus surgeons are advised to become facile in the application of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- B R Nihalani
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Thuangtong A, Isenberg SJ. Horizontal mattress technique for superior oblique suture spacer. J AAPOS 2009; 13:422-3. [PMID: 19683198 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2009.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2008] [Revised: 03/19/2009] [Accepted: 04/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Superior oblique tendon overaction and Brown syndrome have been managed surgically by means of tenotomy/tenectomy, use of a silicon expander, and elongation with autologous fascia lata. These solutions are problematic with respect to corrective precision, injury and complications, or surgical difficulty. We present a simple "mattress" suture spacer technique that allows a precise and secure intraoperative adjustment.
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Yazdian Z, Kamali-Alamdari M, Ali Yazdian M, Rajabi MT. Superior oblique tendon spacer with application of nonabsorbable adjustable suture for treatment of Brown syndrome. J AAPOS 2008; 12:405-8. [PMID: 18396080 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2007.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2007] [Revised: 10/29/2007] [Accepted: 11/06/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the outcomes of a superior oblique tendon spacer procedure using nonabsorbable adjustable sutures in patients with Brown syndrome. METHODS This noncomparative interventional case series includes 25 eyes of 25 patients with Brown syndrome. In all patients the superior oblique tendon was exposed; two nonabsorbable polyester sutures were placed 4 mm apart, and the tendon was cut. With the use of a slipknot, the cut ends of the tendon were separated 5 to 8 mm. Tendon separation was adjusted intraoperatively according to the exaggerated traction test and indirect ophthalmoscopy. RESULTS Overall 25 eyes of 25 patients with mean age of 8.00 +/- 4.62 years were operated and followed for a mean period of 13.2 +/- 7.6 months (range, 3 to 30 months). Mean elevation in adduction improved from -3.96 before surgery to -0.67 (p < 0.001); mean hypotropia improved from 11.08(Delta) to 0.32(Delta) (p < 0.001). Two patients developed overcorrection, but recurrence was not observed in any case. The patients continued to improve over the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS The adjustable superior oblique tendon suture spacer procedure has favorable results and seems to be technically easier than a silicone expander procedure for Brown syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziaeddin Yazdian
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences/Tehran University, Tehran, Iran
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