Efficacy of modified levator-muscle resection using Putterman ptosis clamp versus traditional levator-muscle resection for aponeurotic ptosis: A retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: In recent years, a modified levator muscle resection using Putterman ptosis clamp was developed. We used a retrospective case-control study to compare the effects of the modified and traditional levator muscle resection methods. METHODS: Patients with moderate-to-severe ptosis who underwent the traditional or modified method for levator muscle resection were divided into two groups: Group I received the traditional method in 2013 and Group II received the modified method using Putterman clamp in 2015. During each postoperative visit, in addition to imaging, changes in the margin reflex distance 1 (MRD 1), and adverse events were recorded. Surgical time and final result in the last follow-up were recorded. RESULTS: Group I had 35 patients (54 eyes) and Group II had 33 patients (59 eyes). After the surgery, the MRD 1 in both groups was significantly improved at 1 week and at the final visit compared to baseline. Significant differences were observed in MRD 1 change at 1-week post-operation and the change at the final visit and the surgical time between Groups I and II (P < 0.05). Group II had a shorter surgical time than Group I. Compared with Group I (20.37%), the revision rate was lower in Group II (10.16%). CONCLUSIONS: The modified levator muscle resection using Putterman ptosis clamp and traditional levator muscle resection can both improve ptosis. Comparison results showed that using Putterman ptosis clamp assisted in levator muscle surgery had shorter operation time, faster postoperative recovery, and lower revision rate than the traditional method. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.