[Surgical treatment of nystagmus with horizontal torticollis]

To study the effect of modified Anderson's procedure in nystagmus surgery with pure horizontal torticollis.

Retrospective study of 8 patients with nystagmus and pure horizontal torticollis that were surgically treated in our hospital in a 4 years period. Mean age of the sample was 9 years, SD 8.6 (range 4-30). Large bilateral recessions were made in the yoke rectus muscles that are responsible for the versions to obtain the null position. The amount of surgery was variable according to the torticollis intensity and the association of strabismus. Follow-up length ranged from 15 to 45 months (average 31.14, SD 11.55).

Torticollis improved in all patients at the end of the study. A good result was achieved in 62.5% of the cases, with a residual torticollis inferior to 10 degrees. In two cases, severe torticollis improved to a moderate one (10-20 degrees ). Torticollis reversal occurred in one patient, who needed a second operation. Neither clinically significant ductions limitations, nor secondary strabismus were found.

The modified Anderson's procedure was effective for treating moderate horizontal torticollis with nystagmus. Severe torticollis were not totally corrected. Large muscle recessions were not associated with clinically significant ductions limitations. There was not secondary strabismus (Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol 2003; 78: 481-486).