Malignant hyperthermia is an inherited muscular disorder and a cause of
sudden death in afflicted patients. Stress arising from tramuma, surgery,
and other causes can initiate the syndrome. We studied the types of
orthopaedic problems commonly seen in patients with this condition as well
as the clinical manifestations and pathophysiology of the syndrome.
Recognition, management, and understanding of the pathophysiology of
malignant hyperthermia can be aided by a study of its similarities to
porcine stress syndrome. We performed experimental studies of muscle and
prophylaxis in swine. We also demonstrated the extension of the
prophylactic use of dantrolene sodium in a management protocol in eighty
surgical procedures in humans.