Accession Number:

ADA516039

Title:

Midterm Health and Personnel Outcomes of Recent Combat Amputees

Descriptive Note:

Journal article

Corporate Author:

NAVAL HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER SAN DIEGO CA

Personal Author(s):

• Melcer, Ted
• Walker, G. J.
• Galarneau, Michael
• Belnap, Brian
• Konoske, Paula

Report Date:

2010-03-01

Pagination or Media Count:

10.0

Abstract:

Objective Warfighters who sustained combat amputations in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom OEFOIF 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 OEFOIF 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, prostheticorthotic services, and psychiatric care. Conclusions Combat amputees had a complex set of outcomes supporting the continued need for military amputee care programs.

Descriptors:

• *HEALTH
• *EXTREMITIES
• *AMPUTEES
• PHYSICAL THERAPY
• AFGHANISTAN CONFLICT
• IRAQI WAR
• REHABILITATION
• REPRINTS
• MENTAL DISORDERS

Subject Categories:

• Medicine and Medical Research
• Personnel Management and Labor Relations

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE