Use of an ophthalmic knife for middle-ear microsurgery.

Traditionally, micro-scissors, hooks, sickle knives and needles are used in the ear for the dissection and release of fibrous adhesions. The major limitation of these instruments is that they are often bent or blunt, as they are reusable. We describe an ophthalmic knife that offers precision in middle-ear microsurgery.

Self-retaining aural speculum: a valuable aid to middle-ear surgery.

We report the use of a self-retaining aural speculum that provides an excellent view of the middle ear through a small endural incision. We have found this instrument of value in tympanoplasty and stapes surgery in particular.

Fractured tracheostomy tubes in the tracheobronchial tree of a child.

Fractured tracheostomy tube presenting as foreign bodies in the tracheobronchial tree is rare. Only four previous episodes in children have been reported in literature and most of these in developing countries. We report an unusual case of fractured tracheostomy tubes in the tracheobronchial tree of a child and review the literature.