Comparison between Hummelsheim and Jensen procedures in the management of chronic sixth nerve palsy

Purpose To compare the postoperative alignment, degree of improvement of abduction, and complications of the Hummelsheim procedure to the Jensen procedure in chronic sixth nerve palsy, and to calculate the dose-response of both procedures. Methods A retrospective study was done on patients who either had Hummelsheim or Jensen procedure for chronic sixth nerve palsy. Demographic characteristics, details of surgical procedure, ductions, versions, and angles of misalignment before and after surgery were analyzed. Results A total of 79 patients were identified: 38 Jensen and 41 Hummelsheim. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics of both groups. Medial rectus recession was performed in 35 patients in the Jensen group and in 30 patients in the Hummelsheim group. Success defined as orthotropia within 8 PD was achieved in 25 (66%) patients in the Jensen group and in 24 (59%) patients in the Hummelsheim group (P = 0.51). The mean improvement in the angle of deviation in the primary position was 42 +/- 12 PD in the Jensen group and 42 +/- 16 PD in the Hummelsheim group (P = 0.89). The mean improvement in abduction was slightly better in the Hummelsheim group (1.8 vs 1.5, P = 0.32). A new vertical deviation occurred in three patients in the Jensen group and in 4 patients in the Hummelsheim group. Anterior segment ischemia occurred in one patient in the Jensen group. Conclusions There was no difference in the success rate between the Hummelsheim and Jensen procedures in cases of chronic sixth nerve palsy. Strabismus surgeons can choose between the two procedures according to their preference.