Use of the scleral buckle for the management of inferior break retinal detachment associated with proliferative vitreoretinopathy

Objective: The aim was to compare the surgical success rates of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with and without scleral buckling (SB) in the management of inferior break retinal detachments (RDs) associated with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Methods: This retrospective analysis included all cases of inferior break RD with PVR (grade B, C) that underwent PPV by the same surgeon, from March 2008 to March 2012. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A for whom scleral buckle was inserted, and group B for whom no scleral buckle was used. Results: A total of 78 eyes with inferior break RD were enrolled in this study. Primary retinal attachment was achieved in 26/36 cases (72.2%) in group A. While it was achieved in 30/42 cases (71.4%) in group B (P = 0.861 - not significant). Primary success rate (retinal attachment) in cases with PVR grade B was 18/21 (85.7%) in group A, and 21/24 (87.5%) in group B. While primary success rate in cases with PVR grade C was 8/15 (53.3%) in group A, and 9/18 (50%) in group B. Conclusion: In the management of inferior breaks RD by PPV with PVR (grade B, C) adjunct use of SB does not alter the reattachment success rate.