Purpose: To evaluate a precaruncular approach for fixation of the globe to the medial orbital wall periosteum for management of complete third (oculomotor) nerve palsy.
Methods: Consecutive patients with severe unilateral oculomotor nerve palsy present for at least 2 years were prospectively treated and evaluated. In all patients, a 12-16 mm recession of the lateral rectus muscle was performed along with the precaruncular anchoring procedure. Follow-up evaluations were performed at 1 week, and at 1, 2, and 3 months after surgery, with ongoing follow-up at 3 month intervals.
Results: Fourteen eyes of 14 patients with complete oculomotor nerve palsy were included in the series. The median horizontal preoperative deviation of -90(Delta) +/- 4.8(Delta) reduced to -10(Delta) +/- 8.3(Delta). The vertical deviation reduced from 24(Delta) +/- 7.4(Delta) to 12.8(Delta) +/- 6.0(Delta). Mean follow-up was 8.9 +/- 5.5 months (range, 6-21 months). A slight exotropic drift was observed over 4 to 6 weeks following surgery in all cases. Satisfactory alignment was observed in 13 of the 14 cases (92.85%) over the duration of the follow-up period.
Conclusions: Anchoring the globe to the medial orbital wall using a precaruncular approach is a viable option in the management of complete external oculomotor nerve palsy.