Long-Term Results of Hang-Back Lateral Rectus Recession

<h4>PURPOSE</h4> <P>To report long-term results of the hang-back technique for lateral rectus muscle recession.</P> <h4>PATIENTS AND METHODS</h4> <P>The medical records of 79 consecutive patients who underwent unilateral or bilateral hang-back lateral rectus recession were reviewed. The amount of surgery performed was based on the distance exotropic deviation. Surgical outcomes were analyzed for all patients included in the study.</P> <h4>RESULTS</h4> <P>Forty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. Four of the patients were not orthophoric: three had recurrent exotropia and one had a consecutive esotropia. The average interval prior to the second procedure was 9 months.</P> <h4>CONCLUSION</h4> <P>The hang-back technique is a safe and effective alternative to conventional lateral rectus recession.</P> <P><cite>J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus</cite> 2006;43:161-164.</P> <h4>AUTHORS</h4> <p>The authors are from the Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.</p> <p>Originally submitted July 27, 2004.</p> <p>Accepted for publication March 30, 2005.</p> <p>Address reprint requests to Leonard B. Nelson, MD, MBA, Wills Eye Hospital, 840 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.</p>