The surgical relations of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle.

We conducted a cadaver study of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle to examine several areas of interest that have been reported in the current medical literature. A very strong intermuscular fascia exists between the levator and superior rectus muscles; it is unlikely that a superior rectus bridle suture could pull them apart during cataract surgery. The superior transverse ligament of Whitnall functions to check the posterior movement of the levator; it provides longitudinal support to the resected levator, but does not act as a vertical fulcrum.