Modified Harada-Ito procedure in bilateral superior oblique paresis

Patients with bilateral superior oblique palsies may complain of diplopia and torsion, especially in downgaze. They are difficult to manage surgically, although bilateral modified Harada-Ito procedures may be of value.

A retrospective review was carried out of patients treated with bilateral Fells' modified Harada-Ito procedures for bilateral superior oblique palsy between 1989 and March 2000, the patients being identified from operating records.

Twenty-three patients were identified (9 females and 14 males) with a mean age at presentation of 37 years (range 19 to 75). In 20 cases (87%) the aetiology was trauma (14 due to traffic accidents). All patients had diplopia at presentation (3 specifically mentioned torsion) with a mean duration of 22.5 months. Eleven patients had abnormal head postures and 13 were binocular. Mean vertical deviation was 3.2(delta)for distance and 4(delta)for near. Maximum torsion ranged from 5 degrees (previous surgery) to 24 degrees excylotorsion with a mean of 13 degrees. Thirteen patients had a V pattern. After surgery the mean vertical deviation was 1.5(delta )for distance and 1(delta)for near. Ten patients were symptom free, 8 had reduced diplopia and 5 were unchanged. The worst torsion post-op ranged from 1 degrees of intorsion to 11 degrees of excyclotorsion (mean 4 degrees ). Further vertical muscle surgery was required in 10 (43%) patients. Mean follow-up was 13.5 months.

In these patients bilateral modified Harada-Ito procedures successfully reduced torsion and decreased symptoms. Many patients require subsequent surgery to improve other aspects of their motility problem.