Superior oblique split tendon elongation for Brown’s syndrome: Long-term outcomes

Abstract

Purpose: To report the outcomes of superior oblique split tendon elongation in Brown’s syndrome. Methods: Charts of 17 consecutive Brown’s syndrome patients who underwent superior oblique split tendon elongation were reviewed and clinical data regarding preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected. Results: About 17 eyes of 17 children with congenital Brown’s syndrome underwent superior oblique split tendon elongation between January 2012 and March 2020 by a single surgeon. Mean age at surgery was 5.47 ± 2.82 (range 1.50–13.2). Eight (47.1%) were female. Preoperative deficit of elevation in adduction was −4 in all children. At the end of surgery, all eyes were freely elevated on adduction, on forced duction test. Mean follow-up time of 26.24 ± 11.22 (range 11–53) months. In 15 of 17 children (88.2%), motility improved, orthotropia in primary position was achieved, and head posture eliminated ( p < 0.001). Superior oblique palsy occurred in two children, who after reoperation, achieved an acceptable outcome. No intraoperative complications were recorded. Conclusion: The superior oblique split tendon elongation procedure is a useful surgical technique with stable and satisfying outcomes for the treatment of severe congenital Brown’s syndrome.