[Bilateral modified Hummelsheim procedure in severe bilateral abduction deficiency].

BACKGROUND

Bilateral sixth nerve paralysis is a rare motility disturbance. The functional and cosmetic problems, operative management and postoperative outcome in three patients are presented.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We report on the pre- and postoperative findings of three patients who in one operative session received bilateral transposition surgery in modification of the Hummelsheim procedure.

RESULTS

All three patients postoperatively showed good cosmetic results with no significant head posture for far and near fixation. The abduction deficiency was reduced. In one case a field of binocular single vision at far fixation was established. This field was positioned centrally and measured 15 degrees in diameter. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous bilateral transposition surgery as a modified Hummelsheim procedure can reduce head turn in patients with severe bilateral abduction deficiencies and may reestablish limited binocular single vision. In regard to their psycho-social interactions, the patients benefit from the diminished angle of squint.