Comparison of the efficiency of various muscle transposition procedures using a novel three-dimensional model

To investigate the performance of a newly developed three-dimensional (3D) biomechanical model in various transposition procedures for correction of complete sixth nerve palsy with educational purpose.

A 3D biomechanical eye model was created using Hyperworks software based on geometry data and the biochemical properties of the eyeball and extraocular muscles. A complete sixth nerve palsy model was achieved via modification of lateral rectus muscle strength. Four different muscle transposition procedures (the Hummelsheim, Jensen, Foster, and muscle union procedures) were set up, and the objective surgical effect of each procedure was calculated using 3D model simulation.

In the 3D simulation, sixth nerve palsy was modeled by rotating the eye 34.16 degrees in the medial direction, consistent with 70 prism diopter (PD) esotropia. In surgical model simulation, the Hummelsheim procedure resulted in a 28 PD reduction of total deviation, the Jensen procedure achieved a 34 PD reduction, the Foster procedure led to a 57 PD reduction, the muscle union procedure yielded a 57 PD reduction in esotropia in sixth nerve palsy.

The 3D simulation provided a consistent model of sixth nerve palsy and objective data excluding the potential for variation of surgical skill. It could also help predict surgical outcomes.