Citation

Melcer T, Walker GJ, Galarneau M, Belnap B, Konoske P. Mil. Med. 2010; 175(3): 147-154.

Affiliation

Department 161, Bldg. 331, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA 92106-3521, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

20358702

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Warfighters who sustained combat amputations in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) have unique challenges during rehabilitation. This study followed their outcomes. METHODS: Subjects were 382 U.S. warfighters with major limb amputations after combat injury in OEF/OIF between 2001 and 2005. Outcome measures were diagnoses, treatment codes, and personnel events captured by health and personnel databases during 24 months postinjury. RESULTS: Most patients had multiple complications generally within 30 days postinjury (e.g., infections, anemia), with important exceptions (e.g., heterotopic ossification). Lower limb amputees had 50% more complications than upper limb amputees. Two-thirds of patients had a mental health disorder (e.g., adjustment, post-traumatic stress disorder), with rates of major disorder categories between 18% and 25%. Over 80% of patients used physical and occupational therapy, prosthetic/orthotic services, and psychiatric care. CONCLUSIONS: Combat amputees had a complex set of outcomes supporting the continued need for military amputee care programs.

Language: en