Localizing the Lost Rectus Muscle Using the Connective Tissue Framework: Revisiting the Tunnel Technique.

PURPOSE: To describe a technique for localizing a lost rectus muscle during strabismus or retinal surgery or following trauma.

METHODS

In this single center, retrospective chart review, 5 patients were identified between January 2012 and June 2016 with a lost rectus muscle; 3 during strabismus surgery and 2 post trauma. The inclusion criteria included a lost rectus muscle during strabismus surgery, or a disinserted/lacerated rectus muscle following ocular/orbital trauma. The primary outcome measure was successful reattachment of the rectus muscle.

RESULTS

The lost rectus muscle was identified in each patient and reattached to the globe by gently applying traction anteriorly at the conjunctiva/Tenon edge using double-pronged skin hooks and following the path of the rectus muscle through its Tenon capsule tunnel where it remained attached by suspensory ligaments. There was no instance where orbital fat was obscuring or blocking the view of the lost rectus muscles. There were no other complications associated with the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors describe a simple and effective method in 5 patients to localize a lost rectus muscle based on knowledge of the orbital connective tissue framework.