Patient Information Resources


Orthopedic Services
Glendale Adventist Medical Center
1509 Wilson Terrace
Glendale, CA 91206
Ph: (818) 409-8000






Ankle
Elbow
Foot
Fractures
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Pain Management
Shoulder
Wrist

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Our state flag is flying at half-mast again for yet another soldier killed in the Iraqi war. I think those are the lucky ones. When I see the news casts of returning soldiers with missing fingers, toes, arms, and legs, I can't help but wonder how that is affecting our morale, our security, and the war effort.

The Army Physical Evaluation Board recently reviewed the records of all service members hurt in the line of duty over a four year period of time. They were collecting information to help identify patterns of injuries during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Just as you suspected combat casualty is high. There is a high rate of disability. Battle injuries and resulting disability are permanently affecting U.S. military strength. Only one per cent of orthopedically injured soldiers involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom return to active duty. Musculoskeletal injuries from explosions and gunshot wounds disable more soldiers than any other battlefield trauma. In fact, according to this same study by the United States Army, even when other bodily trauma occurs, it's still the orthopedic injury that creates disability leading to discharge from the military. And that reduces our military's fighting strength in the current Iraqi war. It's very likely that the total cost of rehab for battlefield orthopedic conditions and long-term disability paid out is much greater than anyone anticipated. As a result, efforts are underway to prevent injuries, minimize damage and disability, and improve long-term outcomes of treatment.

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