Also known as: FOP
A patient with this rare congenital disease where muscle turns to bone is experiencing severe internal bleeding caused by anti-inflammatory medication. The case drives significant discussion about surgical risk versus mortality, and her daughter Nina's fear of any intervention causing additional bone growth.
Also known as: GI bleed
Mrs. Rogerson's GI bleeding is medication-induced and requires minimally invasive embolization due to her FOP condition making traditional surgery too risky. Burke attempts catheter-based embolization but bleeding continues, forcing the difficult decision to proceed with open surgery.
Also known as: Broken facial bones
Jane Doe requires extensive facial reconstructive surgery involving a calvarial bone harvest to repair orbital floor fractures. The episode focuses on her choosing her new face from computer-generated options before surgery, creating significant emotional tension.
Also known as: Eye socket fracture
Part of Jane Doe's facial trauma requiring bone graft harvest from skull to reconstruct the base of the eye socket. Meredith is assigned to perform this delicate procedure.
A construction worker with type 2 diabetes presents with severe foot pain and infection that has progressed to the bone (osteomyelitis). Despite his desperate pleas for alternatives, amputation is required to prevent sepsis and death. The case drives the episode's theme about mistakes and consequences.
Also known as: Bone infection
The bone infection in Mr. Kendry's foot is the direct indication for amputation, as the infection cannot be cleared with antibiotics alone at this advanced stage.
Also known as: Type 2 diabetes
Mr. Kendry's poorly managed diabetes of 10 years is the underlying cause of his foot infection and need for amputation, representing his 'mistake' of neglecting his health.