The Ora Serrata and the Spiral of Tillaux: Anatomic Relationship and Clinical Correlation

Abstract

Conventional teaching states that the spiral of Tillaux marks the location of the ora serrata. On literature review, no source for this was found. This study explores this anatomic relationship. In 20 cadaver eyes, narrowgauge needles were placed penetrating the center of each rectus muscle insertion, and distance to the ora was measured. Insertions ranged from 2.25 mm posterior to 2.25 mm anterior to the ora, with 90% within 1 mm of it. In ten eyes, distance from the edge of insertion also was measured. Results indicate that the centers of rectus insertions, especially the lateral rectus, approximately overlie the ora, with the edges of the insertions more posterior and variable.