This manuscript, published in Orbit in December 2012,Citation1 has generated concern in some quarters as to its veracity. On further scrutiny and reflection, the reader will appreciate that the article is an intelligent play on the title “upper eyelid retraction syndrome”, and is thus a parody on an oculoplastic condition. Although there is a long precedent for publishing such occasional Christmas articles elsewhere (for example, the British Medical Journal),Citation2 both the Author and the Editor would like to reassure the readership that this was indeed an intended publication, properly assessed by senior reviewers through the Journals robust manuscript review system. Nevertheless, the Journal would like both to reassure and to apologise to any readers for any confusion or dissatisfaction that may have arisen as a result of this publication.
Yours sincerely,
Mr D. H. Verity, Editor
Professor G. Geerling, Corresponding Author.
References
- Geerling G, Neppert B, Hemmant B. The tie retraction syndrome. Orbit 2012;31(6):412–415
- Ashdown HF, D'Souza N, Karim D, et al. Pain over speed bumps in diagnosis of acute appendicitis: diagnostic accuracy study. BMJ 2012;345:e8012. doi: 10.1136/bmj.e8012