Results of combined surgery on the superior oblique and horizontal rectus muscles for A-pattern horizontal strabismus

Results obtained in 32 patients with A-pattern horizontal strabismus and overacting superior oblique muscles treated with combined bilateral superior oblique tenotomies and bilateral symmetric surgery on the horizontal rectus muscles were analyzed retrospectively. The magnitude of reduction of the A-pattern correlated positively (r = 0.69) with the size of the preoperative A-pattern. Overall, 27 of the 32 patients (84%) had a satisfactory reduction in their A-pattern. Esodeviated patients received less correction in the primary position than exodeviated patients. Postoperative complications were minimal if the superior oblique tendon was hooked under direct visualization, and minimal dissection was performed on the surrounding tissue prior to transecting it near the nasal side of the superior rectus muscle.