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It looks like our wounded warriors stationed in Iraq are coming home in bits and pieces. It's obvious when they've lost an arm or leg but what other injuries are these terrible bombs causing that we can't see?
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Injuries from explosions and gunshot wounds disable more soldiers than any other battlefield trauma. These injuries are often divided into two main groups: musculoskeletal (damage to bones, skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and/or other soft tissues) and nonmusculoskeletal (skull, brain, ear, eye, face, chest, and abdomen). And that doesn't include the nonphysical but rather psychological and emotional fall-out with post-traumatic stress disorder, mental illness, and mood disorders.
An interesting fact according to a study done by the United States Army is that even when other bodily trauma occurs, it's still the orthopedic injury that creates disability leading to discharge from the military.
Orthopedic injuries that occur on the battlefield and lead to permanent disability happen more often than anyone in the military realized. For example, scar tissue affecting the arms or legs, pain, spinal cord injuries, nerve damage, and amputations are just some of the conditions that leave a soldier unfit for duty.
Degenerative arthritis is actually the most common condition reported that leaves a soldier unfit for duty. Arm amputation creates the greatest disability, and amputation of the leg affects the soldier in all areas the most (e.g., return to duty, long-term outcome).
Combat casualty is high. 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 ever predicted or anticipated. Future research must be directed toward improved outcomes including returning more service members to active-duty with fewer and less severe disabilities.
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*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
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