Long-term results of anterior transposition of the inferior oblique muscle in superior oblique palsy

To evaluate the long-term surgical outcomes of anterior transposition of the inferior oblique muscle (ATIO) in the treatment of vertical deviations resulting from superior oblique palsy (SOP). We retrospectively studied seven consecutive patients who had undergone ATIO for the treatment of SOP. A follow-up of at least five years after the operation was required to be included in the study. In results the preoperative vertical deviation was 18.4 ± 3.2 degrees in the primary position and 17.0 ± 3.2 degrees in the field of maximum action movement of the inferior oblique muscle. The final postoperative vertical deviation improved to 0.9 ± 3.8 degrees and -2.5 ± 4.8 degrees, respectively. In addition, the improvement in the vertical deviation was stable during the follow-up period. In conclusion our study results suggested that the surgical outcomes of ATIO for the treatment of SOP had been maintained during the long-term follow up period.