Citation

Bernstock JD, Caples CM, Wagner SC, Kang DG, Lehman RA. Mil. Med. 2015; 180(5): 503-512.

Affiliation

Division of Orthopaedics, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States)

DOI

10.7205/MILMED-D-14-00215

PMID

25939103

Abstract

Injuries to the spinal column in combat casualties sustained during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are common, and the highest in reported wartime history. High-energy blast mechanisms from improved explosive devices have resulted in complex polytrauma and injury patterns, which are often markedly different from those injuries encountered in civilian trauma. Herein, we review the most current literature with regard to the distinct types of combat-related spine injuries/concomitant comorbidities sustained in Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn.

Language: en