William F. Hoyt's Role in Identifying the Pathogenesis of Duane Retraction Syndrome

For many years, it was unclear whether Duane retraction syndrome was a myopathic or neuropathic condition. This article describes the direct and indirect contributions of William F. Hoyt, MD, to the eventual determination that the condition is caused by a congenital absence of the sixth nerve combined with innervation of the lateral rectus muscle by branches of the third nerve.