Hang-back technique versus conventional rectus recession in strabismus surgery

Purpose The aim of this work was to study a new technique of rectus muscle weakening and compare it with the conventional method of muscle recession. Patients and methods This was a prospective study performed between February 2015 and June 2016, and follow-up was carried out until June 2017. A total of 54 patients presenting with esotropia underwent medial rectus recession with the hang-back technique, and 30 patients underwent recession with the conventional method. The results of strabismus surgery in these two groups of esotropia, one of them treated with the hang-back technique and the other with conventional recession, are compared. Results Surgical outcomes were not significantly different in the two treatment groups. The hang-back was found to be technically safer, avoiding the scleral pass, by attaching the muscle into the stump of the tendon. Conclusion It seems that the modified recession by the hang-back technique can reduce the complications and risks involved in conventional recession, and it is safer and effective for muscle recession. It can decrease the risk of globe perforation, as the sclera behind the insertion of the medial recti is the thinnest part of the sclera