title: Tracheal ring fracture and early tracheomalacia following percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is increasingly popular within intensive care units for patients who need prolonged ventilatory support. Significant complications are rare.
  
  
  METHODS
  Our patient suffered tracheal ring fracture and early tracheomalacia following this procedure. These complications are demonstrated in our accompanying video.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Contrary to common beliefs, tracheal rings are commonly fractured during the PDT procedure. The consequent granulation can lead to tracheal stenosis and tracheomalacia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5AN, UK. euchinho@yahoo.co.uk
authors.forename: Eu Chin
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: Atul
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kapila
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Colquhoun-Flannery