Temporary adduction deficit after nasal septoplasty and radiofrequency ablation of the inferior turbinate.

A 19-year-old boy developed an adduction deficit after bilateral radiofrequency ablation of the inferior turbinate and septoplasty. Postoperative imaging disclosed an intact medial orbital wall and high T2 signal and enlargement of the medial rectus. Within 3 months, the motility deficit had resolved. This manifestation is attributed to injury of the medial rectus from radiofrequency ablation and represents the first reported case.