Journal Reviews archive for 2021
The vitamin D deficiency and recurrent BPPV debate revisited
The role of calcium metabolism and disorders of bone mineral density in the evolution and recurrence of BPPV has been debated over the years. As a contribution to this debate, the authors undertook a prospective study into the correlation between...
The electromagnetic larynx
Current treatment options for a bilateral vocal cord palsy (tracheostomy, posterior cordotomy, arytenoidectomy) are suboptimal, with a focus primarily on a static means of airway restoration at the expense of voice production and potentially swallow safety. This paper reports on...
Efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery for facial nerve schwannoma
This international multicentre study reviewed the results of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in 63 patients with facial nerve schwannoma over three decades. The facial nerve schwannoma were distinguished from vestibular schwannoma based on intraoperative findings or typical temporal or extra temporal...
Narrow band imaging in the management of carcinoma of unknown primary
This was a retrospective study to assess the utility of narrow band imaging (NBI) in the detection of a primary site in carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP). Patients with CUP who underwent transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and preoperative imaging with...
Reflux, a pre-disposing factor in paediatric OME?
It is almost 20 years since the Lancet publication by Tasker et al describing gastric juice in the glue ear of children. This paper attempts to look at the body of literature which has focused specifically on the clinical association...
Talking it through: voice therapy
The authors begin this article by highlighting two issues in voice therapy: 1. the high rate of relapse and 2. poor attendance at appointments. They attribute this to there not being carryover (or generalisation) work embedded into most voice therapy...
The medially-invasive cholesteatoma: a case series
In this small case series, Casazza et al describe their management of seven cases of complex cholesteatoma presenting during a 16-year period. Patients were included if imaging confirmed restricted diffusion and an endophytic, medially-destructive disease involving the otic capsule, petrous...
Students on camp
This article describes a three-day weekend camp for individuals with chronic aphasia and their care partners, designed to address personally relevant activities and conversations that help redevelop self-worth, confidence, and identity. The aim is to support carryover into individuals’ local...
‘Acoustic shock’
Development of hearing loss due to traditional and steady state noise in working environments has well defined medical, physical and legal implications in the present times. Organisations not complying with ‘Noise at Work Regulations 1989’ are liable for compensation if...
Endoscopic stapes surgery - pearls and pitfalls
Endoscopic ear surgery has gained popularity in recent years with wide panoramic visualisation of the operative field one of its key strengths. This article summarises the approach, set-up and outcomes of patients undergoing endoscopic stapes surgery. A key step during...
The telemedicine genie is out of the bottle
Delivering healthcare interventions remotely is not a new concept. The authors of this article provide a brief history dating back to the 1930s, when the International Radio Medical Centre was established to transmit medical advice to global seafarers. In the...
Modifying two-week wait protocol for suspected head and neck cancer patients during COVID-19
As healthcare workers, we are committed to ensuring that our patients continue to receive the optimum care that we are set up to deliver. However, the last year has shown that we need to be mindful of balancing this with...
