Adjustable squint surgery in children

The adjustable suture technique in adult strabismus surgery is well established. The aim of this study was to assess its feasibilty/outcome in a younger age group. A retrospective review of 359 case notes of patients, under the age of 16 years, who underwent squint surgery between 1992 and 1999 was carried out. Of these, 45 (13%) had undergone surgery with the adjustable suture technique. Post-operatively, 34 patients achieved an angle of +/- 10 pd and required no further treatment. We sought co-operation from the parents and encouraged their active participation during adjustment. It was not necessary for any child to return to the operating theatre to finalise adjustment. We conclude that this is an effective treatment in motivated children, as 76% (34/45) obtained an excellent result.