Charting Surgical Success: A Comprehensive Review of Lateral Rectus Palsy Outcomes

Aim and Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the surgical outcomes in patients presenting with lateral rectus palsy at a tertiary care center. Study Design: This was a descriptive case series involving eight patients diagnosed with lateral rectus palsy. Interventions: Six ( n = 6) patients underwent surgical intervention, one ( n = 1) patient was managed conservatively, and one ( n = 1) patient was deemed unfit for surgery. Outcome Measures: Recovery of lateral rectus function and resolution of diplopia. Results: The etiology of lateral rectus palsy varied among the cases, including otomastoiditis ( n = 1), acute rhinosinusitis with orbital complications ( n = 2), skull base osteomyelitis with petrositis ( n = 1), petrositis only ( n = 1), ophthalmoplegic migraine ( n = 1), orbital apex syndrome ( n = 1), and pediatric petrous cholesterol granuloma ( n = 1). Appropriate surgical interventions were performed based on the underlying cause and site of abducens nerve involvement. Complete recovery was observed in seven out of eight patients. Conclusion: Early surgical intervention to decompress the abducens nerve resulted in complete recovery of lateral rectus palsy in the majority of cases, without the need for additional rehabilitation procedures. This study highlights the importance of timely and appropriate surgical management in cases of lateral rectus palsy with identifiable causes.