AIM: To investigate the surgical treatment of thecongenital superior oblique muscle paralysis.

METHODS:The 68 cases of congenital superior oblique muscle paralysis were reviewed and analyzed. According to the degrees of the overaction of inferior oblique muscle and the extension of vertical deviation, we performed three different surgeries: inferior oblique muscle myotomy, inferior oblique muscle anterior transposition and inferior oblique muscle anterior transposition plus superior rectus muscle shortening or inferior rectus muscle recession. Based on the correct principles of horizontal strabismus, the patients were successfully treated if they also have horizontal strabismus problems.

RESULTS:Totally 58 cases were cured(85.3%), 7 cases were improved(10.3%)and 3 cases had no effective improvement(4.4%).

CONCLUSION: According to degree of the overaction of inferior oblique muscle, the extension of vertical and horizontal deviation, reasonable choice of surgical manners might increase cure rate of the congenital superior oblique muscle paralysis. The most patients obtained satisfactory results after one stage or multiple surgeries.