Keypoints Bilateral microtia is a challenging problem as these patients require both reconstruction of the auricle and rehabilitation of hearing. Our aim was to find the optimal position for bone‐anchored hearing aids (BAHA) in patients requiring reconstruction of the auricle on the same side. From an analysis of five such operated patients, it was found that siting a BAHA 6.5–7.0 cm from the position of the external auditory meatus is probably the correct distance to facilitate optimal auricular reconstruction. Using these criteria, a group of another five patients with BAHA awaiting auricular reconstruction were reviewed. Of these only three (60%) have been satisfactorily sited.

Until recently the options for reconstruction of the microtic ear were unsatisfactory and the ear was often left alone. With recent advances, both autologous rib reconstruction and osseointegration produce good quality results. It is our practice to offer all patients a choice of no surgery, autologous rib cartilage reconstruction or an osseointegrated prosthetic ear. This study reports on parental choice between the reconstructive options as assessed by questionnaire. Earlier patients who have had their surgery were compared with more recent patients who have chosen an option but are awaiting surgery. In the patients who have had surgery, seven (30%) chose a prosthetic ear and 16 (69.5%) chose rib cartilage reconstruction, compared to those patients that are awaiting surgery, four (11%) chose a prosthetic ear and 31 (88.6%) chose rib cartilage reconstruction. The results show a significant increase in the choice for rib cartilage reconstruction in those patients awaiting surgery. Although high quality autologous reconstruction is not widely available we feel it is important that parents are at least informed that it is an alternative to osseointegration and no surgery.

The association of oxycephaly and rickets is noted in sixteen children whose cases are reviewed. The high incidence of raised intracranial pressure (73%), papilloedema (12.5%) and retarded mental development (53%) in this group is emphasised.

In this paper the close relationship between a previously investigated recursive function and the familiar Fibonacci sequence is established. An efficient iterative program for the computation of the recursive function, which is based on this relationship, is given. The correctness of the program follows from an earlier proof of equivalence of the recursive function and a function based on the Fibonacci sequence. The structural dissimilarity of the functional specification and the implementation suggests that it is unlikely that the latter can be generated from the former using standard transformation techniques.

An O(n) time complexity algorithm for the Towers and Hanoi problem together with a proof of its correctness is given.

The use of a fibrin and thrombin tissue glue administered in aerosol form has been evaluated in 65 patients undergoing a face lift. In 55 cases the glue was applied to the undermined areas bilaterally, and appeared to decrease postoperative oedema and bruising. In a further 10 cases the adhesive was used on one side only. In 5 of these patients there was no difference between the two sides, while in 5 cases the glued side was judged superior. With this technique drains and dressings are not necessary in the postoperative period and patients find this especially convenient.

There is recent evidence that circulating opioid peptides, or 'endorphins', act as chemical messengers responsible for the induction of the complex cardiovascular changes leading to hypotension in septicaemic shock. The pilot study of an investigation of opioid peptides in septicaemia in burned patients is presented. Serial measurements of plasma beta-endorphin and metenkephalin were performed throughout the recovery of six patients with large burns (20-70 per cent BSA). Our preliminary findings concur with previous evidence that opioid peptides may play a role in the hypotension of septicaemic shock.