Adjustable sutures surgery of intermittent divergent squint in adolescents and adults

Introduction
The aim of this study is to present the results of surgery in intermittent divergent strabismus with adjustable sutures, and to compare them to the results of conventional technique.

Material and methods
The study group consisted of 25 patients operated in our department because of intermittent divergent squint with adjustable sutures – group I and with conventional technique – group II. The age range was from 17 to 46 years in group I and from 14 to 37 years in group II. The results were compared in both of groups. We assessed the possibility of postoperative eye alignment in hypercorrection from +4D to +6D (recession / resection) and from +6D to +8D (bilateral recession). Number of patients without a precise effect was calculated. The eye alignment was changed in the immediate postoperative period. Quantity of postoperative drift in both groups was estimated.

Results
The intended eye alignment from +4D to +6D was achieved in 29% and from +6D to +8D in 31% of patients with adjustable sutures (group I). The eye alignment in the group II operated with conventional technique was 21% from +4D to +6D and 19% from +6D to +8D.

Conclusions
The use of adjustable sutures in the intermittent divergent strabismus resulted in more correct alignment and avoidance of diplopia. This method enables also to limit or enlarge extent of the surgery and leads to significant decrease of the need for surgical interventions.