Long-term results of superior oblique tendon elongation for Brown's syndrome

Purpose: To evaluate superior oblique tendon lengthening technique in the treatment of congenital Brown's Syndrome. Methods: Retrospective evaluation of 8 patients with Brown's syndrome (ages 2.5 to 8 years) who underwent superior oblique split tendon elongation as the primary procedure. Results: The mean follow-up period was 35 months (range 18 to 72 months). Seven of 8 patients had complete resolution of the compensatory head posturing and downshoot in adduction, and achieved some ability to elevate the eye in adduction. One of the operated eyes required reoperation because head posture persisted and a tenectomy of the superior oblique tendon was performed with satisfactory results. Conclusions: The superior oblique split tendon lengthening technique is proposed as a possible procedure of choice for the treatment of Brown's syndrome.