Muscle fenestration in vertical rectus muscle surgeries.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Strabismus Surgery
• Oculomotor Muscle Surgery

Background:

• Vertical deviations can significantly impact visual function.
• Fenestration of vertical rectus muscles is a surgical approach to address these deviations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of vertical rectus muscle fenestration for correcting vertical deviations.
• To assess surgical outcomes in patients with various vertical deviations.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of patients undergoing superior rectus (SR) or inferior rectus (IR) muscle fenestration.
• Analysis of pre- and post-operative deviation angles, ductions, and versions.
• Success defined as vertical alignment within 4 prism diopters (PD) of orthophoria.

Main Results:

• Nineteen patients were included, with a mean follow-up of 6.5 months.
• Significant improvement in the angle of deviation post-surgery (P < 0.001) for both SR and IR fenestration.
• Success rates of 77% for SR fenestration and 100% for IR fenestration; minimal complications observed.

Conclusions:

• Vertical rectus muscle fenestration is a safe and effective treatment for vertical deviations.
• Consideration for increased fenestration in cases of dissociated vertical deviation (DVD) may further enhance outcomes.