Hang-back lateral rectus recessions for exotropia

The hang-back recession is a simple, safe alternative to conventional recession. We evaluated the surgical results in 23 consecutive patients undergoing bilateral hang-back lateral rectus recessions and 24 consecutive patients undergoing bilateral conventional lateral rectus recessions. The 6-week postoperative success rate was 78% in the hang-back group and 75% in the conventional group. At the time of the most recent follow-up, the success rate wase 64% in the hang-back group and 85% in the conventional group. Dose-response curves were similar for both methods. There were more late overcorrections with the hang-back technique. We suggest modified surgical guidelines for the hang-back recession technique.