Levator transposition procedure: a review of 35 cases

Abstract

Background: Levator transposition is used as a unilateral procedure for patients with both ptosis and aberrant movements of the eyelid. Muscular neurotisation occurs in the transposed levator muscle and thus some levator function is restored.

Method: We reviewed 35 patients who had undergone a levator transposition procedure.

Results: Twenty-eight patients had jaw-winking ptosis, three had cyclic oculomotor palsy and four had a third nerve palsy with aberrant regeneration. The follow-up period was between 1 and 39 months (mean 12 months). Eighteen patients were followed up for at least 12 months and their results were analysed as a separate group.

Conclusions: The levator function attained following transposition is related to the pre-operative voluntary function and this relationship is statistically significant (Wilcoxon test p < 0.001). Maximal levator function may not be achieved until 12 months post-operatively. The procedure is successful in abolishing aberrant eyelid movements and treating ptosis but the majority of patients require an additional levator resection to achieve a satisfactory lid height.