Precaruncular approach for medial orbital wall periosteal anchoring of the globe in oculomotor nerve palsy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a precaruncular approach for fixation of the globe to the medial orbital wall periosteum for management of complete third (oculomotor) nerve palsy.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with severe unilateral oculomotor nerve palsy present for at least 2 years were prospectively treated and evaluated. In all patients, a 12-16 mm recession of the lateral rectus muscle was performed along with the precaruncular anchoring procedure. Follow-up evaluations were performed at 1 week, and at 1, 2, and 3 months after surgery, with ongoing follow-up at 3 month intervals.

RESULTS

Fourteen eyes of 14 patients with complete oculomotor nerve palsy were included in the series. The median horizontal preoperative deviation of -90(Delta) +/- 4.8(Delta) reduced to -10(Delta) +/- 8.3(Delta). The vertical deviation reduced from 24(Delta) +/- 7.4(Delta) to 12.8(Delta) +/- 6.0(Delta). Mean follow-up was 8.9 +/- 5.5 months (range, 6-21 months). A slight exotropic drift was observed over 4 to 6 weeks following surgery in all cases. Satisfactory alignment was observed in 13 of the 14 cases (92.85%) over the duration of the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Anchoring the globe to the medial orbital wall using a precaruncular approach is a viable option in the management of complete external oculomotor nerve palsy.