This study aimed to examine outcomes of inferior rectus recession in vertical deviations using absorbable (AS) vs non-absorbable sutures (NAS). This was a retrospective study cohort of 32 patients (18 female and 14 males): 26 with AS and 6 with NAS. Median and mean age were 56 and 56.5 years. Mean follow-up was a period of 3.6 months. Success rates were defined as ≤5PD of vertical deviation and were 57.7% and 33.3% for AS vs NAS at near, and 65.4% and 50% at distance – nonsignificant differences. Mean vertical deviation in primary gaze at near, at final follow-up was 6.96PD and 6.3PD for AS vs NAS, and for distance, were 5.54PD and 5.5PD – nonsignificant differences. Overcorrection occurred in 23.1% vs 16.7%, respectively. Indications for surgery in this study were thyroid eye disease, myasthenia gravis, cranial nerve palsy, trauma and idiopathic muscle weakness. Overall, similar results were obtained for AS and NAS. The authors recommend further research with larger numbers to determine if the trend to higher success rates with AS remains.
Use of absorbable vs non-absorbable sutures for inferior rectus recessions in vertical strabismus
Reviewed by Lauren R Hepworth
Outcomes of inferior rectus muscle recession surgery using absorbable vs non-absorbable sutures.
CONTRIBUTOR
Fiona Rowe (Prof)
Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, UK.
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