Effect of severing the check ligaments and intermuscular membranes on medial rectus recessions in infantile esotropia.

Abstract

The effect of severing the check ligaments and intermuscular membranes on the dose-response curve for medial rectus recessions in patients with infantile esotropia has not been previously studied by randomized assignment techniques using contemporary control and experimental groups and masked precautions. A prospective study of 101 patients was performed over an 8-year period. Patients were randomly assigned to either augmented or nonaugmented groups. In the former group, the medial check ligaments and intermuscular membranes were severed; in the latter group, no surgery was performed on the medial check ligaments or intermuscular membranes. Patients were postoperatively evaluated by an observer masked to group assignment. No difference in response to surgery was observed between the two groups at the time of evaluation, which took place, on average, 6 to 7 months after surgery. Severing the check ligaments and intermuscular membranes on patients with infantile esotropia undergoing medial rectus recessions does not appear to affect the dose-response curve.