Also known as: Head trauma
Mark Sloan has been in a coma for 30 days following the plane crash. Per his living will directive, life support is withdrawn at 5:00 PM, and he dies. This death is the central emotional and narrative focus of the episode.
Also known as: Broken vertebrae
A patient presents with an unstable transverse process fracture at L3-L4 with swelling. Torres performs surgery to fuse the vertebrae and relieve pressure. This is Derek's first surgery since the plane crash, but his hand goes numb during the procedure.
Also known as: Hiatal hernia
Cristina Yang performs a VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) on the Oberman baby to repair what appears to be a congenital structural defect requiring thoracic surgery. Dr. Thomas initially wants to do a thoracotomy but Cristina successfully advocates for the less invasive VATS approach.
Also known as: Inflamed appendix
Dr. Wilson performs her first surgery, an intern appendectomy. During the procedure, she tears the cecum open, requiring Meredith to take over and manage the complication. This case is used to test and teach the intern.
Also known as: Blocked arteries
Dr. Thomas performs a port-CABG (minimally invasive coronary artery bypass) that goes poorly, requiring conversion to a sternotomy. Cristina observes the case and notes multiple complications including pericardial perforation and difficulty coming off bypass.
Also known as: Lost both legs
Arizona is recovering from having her leg amputated following the plane crash. She is severely depressed and bedridden. Callie confronts her, revealing that Arizona blames Callie for making the decision to amputate. This is a major ongoing character arc.
Also known as: Nerve damage
Derek attempts his first surgery since the plane crash after undergoing nerve graft surgery. During the procedure, his hand goes numb, indicating his nerve injury has not fully healed. This is part of his ongoing recovery arc from the plane crash.
Also known as: PTSD
Cristina experiences a severe panic attack when attempting to board a plane, causing her to force the airline to let her off before departure. This demonstrates ongoing PTSD from the plane crash and her inability to fly, preventing her from attending Mark's end-of-life moments.