Superior oblique split tendon elongation versus superior oblique recession for Brown syndrome: a case series

Authors

  • SM Vivian Lam United Christian Hospital
  • Tracy HT Lai
  • Emily WH Tang
  • Kenneth KW Li

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12809/hkjo-v30n1-415

Keywords:

Ocular motility disorders, Oculomotor muscles

Abstract

Objectives: To compare outcomes between superior oblique split tendon elongation (STE) and superior oblique recession (SOR) for the treatment of Brown
syndrome.
Methods: Medical records of patients aged ≥3 years who underwent either superior oblique STE or SOR for Brown syndrome by a single surgeon between
January 2012 and December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed.
Results: In total, nine eyes in eight patients with congenital (n=8) or acquired (n=1) Brown syndrome underwent superior oblique STE (n=4) or SOR (n=5). Pre-existing horizontal strabismus was present in all four patients who underwent STE and in two patients who underwent SOR (five esotropia and one exotropia). The initial four eyes were treated with STE, whereas the subsequent five eyes were treated with SOR. All nine eyes achieved complete (n=6) or partial (n=3) success outcomes. The success rates were similar between the STE and SOR groups (complete success: 50% vs 80%; partial success: 50% vs 20%; p=0.52). No patient experienced any complications.
Conclusion: Both STE and SOR for the treatment of Brown syndrome achieved stable long-term outcomes in terms of improving eye motility and correcting abnormal head posture.

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Published

2026-02-25

How to Cite

1.
Lam SV, Lai TH, Tang EW, Li KK. Superior oblique split tendon elongation versus superior oblique recession for Brown syndrome: a case series. Hong Kong J Ophthalmol [Internet]. 2026Feb.25 [cited 2026Mar.9];30(1). Available from: https://hkjo.hk/index.php/hkjo/article/view/415

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Original Articles