Modified adjustable suture hang-back recession: Description of technique and comparison with conventional adjustable hang-back recession

PURPOSE: This study aims to describe and compare modified hang-back recession with the conventional hang-back recession in large angle comitant exotropia (XT). METHODS: A prospective, interventional, double-blinded, randomized study on adult patients (>18 years) undergoing single eye recession-resection for large angle (>30 prism diopters) constant comitant XT was conducted between January 2011 and December 2015. Patients in Group A underwent modified hang-back lateral rectus recession with adjustable knot while in Group B underwent conventional hang-back recession with an adjustable knot. Outcome parameters studied were readjustment rate, change in deviation at 6 weeks, complications and need for resurgery at 6 months. RESULTS: The groups were comparable in terms of age and preoperative deviation. The patients with the modified hang back (Group A) fared significantly better (P < 0.05) than those with conventional hang back (Group B) in terms of lesser need for adjustment, greater correction in deviation at 6 weeks and lesser need for resurgery at 6 months. CONCLUSION: This modification offers several advantages, significantly reduces resurgery requirement and has no added complications.