Adjustable sutures in strabismus surgery.

The results of conventional strabismus surgery are always somewhat uncertain, despite the most careful preoperative assessment. Yet it is important to achieve good alignment in patients with fusion potential who have intermittent exotropia, extraocular muscle paresis or a restrictive syndrome. Planning surgery for patients with thyroid myopathy and planning reoperations is particularly difficult. In 30 patients with various strabismus disorders the use of adjustable sutures proved safe and of value; the results were unacceptable in only 5 of the 28 patients with horizontal deviations. The inconvenience for the surgeon and the extra discomfort for the patient seemed outweighed by the predictability of the surgical result.