Sinus arrest in a p.Arg160X-DSP-positive patient without evidence of desmoplakin-mediated cardiomyopathy: a case report.

Background: Pathogenic/Likely pathogenic variants in -encoded desmoplakin are strongly associated with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM). However, their contribution towards sinus node dysfunction has not been well-delineated.

Case Summary: A 74-year-old man with a pathogenic variant of -encoded desmoplakin (c.

Vertebral artery dissection presenting with multilevel combined sensorimotor radiculopathy: a case report and literature review.

Study Design: This study is a case report demonstrating a rare clinical presentation of vertebral artery dissection. We believe that this is the first reported case with multilevel combined sensorimotor radiculopathy. We have also included a literature review.

Perioperative aspects of endoscopic anterior scoliosis surgery: the learning curve for a consecutive series of 100 patients.

The reported benefits of endoscopic versus open scoliosis surgery include improved visualization, a muscle sparing approach, reduced pulmonary morbidity, reduced pain, and improved cosmesis. Some aspects of the surgical learning curve for this technically demanding method have been previously reported; however, improvements in other factors with increasing experience have not been quantified. This paper presents a series of 100 consecutive endoscopic anterior scoliosis corrections performed between April 2000 and February 2006.

Recovery of pulmonary function following endoscopic anterior scoliosis correction: evaluation at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery.

Study Design: A series of patients with scoliosis undergoing endoscopic anterior instrumentation and fusion undertaking repeated pulmonary function assessments.

Objective: To assess recovery of pulmonary function in the 2 years following endoscopic anterior scoliosis correction.

Summary Of Background Data: Recent studies have found that pulmonary function returns to preoperative levels 12-24 months following endoscopic anterior scoliosis correction, and a small improvement in forced expiratory volume (FEV1) has also been reported.

Variability in Cobb angle measurements using reformatted computerized tomography scans.

Study Design: Survey of intraobserver and interobserver measurement variability.

Objective: To assess the use of reformatted computerized tomography (CT) images for manual measurement of coronal Cobb angles in idiopathic scoliosis.

Summary Of Background Data: Cobb angle measurements in idiopathic scoliosis are traditionally made from standing radiographs, whereas CT is often used for assessment of vertebral rotation.

Regional orthopaedic courses--rationale and practice.

Background: The intensity and length of higher surgical training has changed, and with this the need for a more formalised training programme has been recognised. With limited budgets for training and the high cost of national training days, it was proposed that within the Wessex Deanery regional courses should be run to complement the existing weekly training session.

Methods: In 1998, a questionnaire was sent to all the orthopaedic consultants and specialist registrars within the region to identify the training requirements of the specialist registrars and the availability of consultants to organise and teach during these training courses.

Preventing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in joint replacements: a new problem requiring old solutions.

Aim: To analyse prospectively the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonisation and infection in wounds and surgical vacuum drains.

Methods: The study group was 100 patients undergoing primary total hip and total knee replacements in a single orthopaedic unit.

Results: Two patients had undergone revision joint surgery within the same unit in the year prior to the study due to confirmed MRSA infection.