A case of ventricular fibrillation in the prone position during back stabilisation surgery in a boy with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy

A 15-year-old boy with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy experienced prolonged cardiac arrest whilst in the prone position for spinal surgery. He was successfully resuscitated without apparent neurological sequelae by internal cardiac massage via a thoracotomy and external and internal direct current cardioversion. Recommendations are suggested for the pre- and peroperative management of such cases.