[Comparison of two surgical techniques for the treatment of superior oblique palsy].

Aim: To compare two surgical techniques for the treatment of superior oblique palsy.

Patients And Methods: Retrospective study involving 32 patients operated on at the Rouen Teaching Hospital for superior oblique palsy. Group 1 patients were treated by surgical reinforcement of the superior oblique muscle and group 2 patients were treated by surgical loosening (or weakening) of the antagonist muscles. One-year follow-up explored head tilt, diplopia, vertical deviation and cyclotorsion.

Results: Functional results (presence of diplopia or stiff neck) were positive in both groups but better in group 1. Only 12.5% of patients required a second operation. Cyclotorsion amounted to less than 2% in group 1 and was still greater than 8% in group 2; on the other hand, vertical deviation had improved more in group 2, where it decreased to 2.1 diopters versus 3.1 in group 1.

Discussion: and conclusion: Only reinforcing the superior oblique adequately corrects cyclotorsion, which is the main cause of asthenopia and diplopia, despite an often insufficient height correction that is otherwise clinically well tolerated. We suggest reinforcing the superior oblique as a first intent rather than weakening hyperactive muscles, and in case of excessive postoperative height, we would carry out additional treatment of one of the hyperactive muscles later.