Neurological effects of fat embolism syndrome: A case report.

Fat embolism syndrome is a serious multi-system pathology which classically affects the respiratory system, neurological system and causes a petechial rash. We present the case of a 20-year-old farmer who developed fat embolism syndrome following a traumatic femoral fracture. Features developed within 24 h of injury and necessitated a prolonged stay in Intensive Care.

Post tracheal extubation stridor.

The authors report an unusual case of post extubation stridor resulting in insertion of a tracheostomy. Regional anaesthesia using interscalene nerve blockade in the presence of an unrecognised contralateral recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy resulted in bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve palsies. The authors discuss the differential causes of stridor and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, their importance and way of identification on preoperative assessment.

Caught in the slips.

We report a case where a patient slipped from the operating table during positioning for a laparoscopic colectomy. This occurred due to failure of the Velcro holding the mattress to the operating table. On further inspection, although the amount of Velcro was satisfactory to hold the patient, it had failed due to a combination of its poor positioning, table design and the build up of 'fluff' on the Velcro from the use of incorrect cleaning products.