Superior oblique tendon lengthening for acquired superior oblique overactions

Two patients who presented with compensatory head postures and diplopia are described. They both had marked unilateral superior oblique overaction, in one patient due to a large, incomitant skew deviation. Each underwent a superior oblique tendon lengthening procedure using a segment of silicone 240 retinal band as an expander, in combination with a contralateral superior rectus recession. Both achieved an excellent result with an improvement of the compensatory head posture and an increase in the field of binocular single vision. This surgical procedure is proposed as an option in the management of superior oblique overaction, including certain cases of skew deviation.