Lower Extremity Combat-Related Amputations

Lower Extremity combat -RelatedAmputationsLT Scott M. Tintle, MD,1 LCDR Jonathan Agner Forsberg, MD,1,2 CDR John J. Keeling,MD,1,2 LTC Scott B. Shawen, MD,1,2and MAJ Benjamin Kyle Potter, MD1,2 Since the onset of combat activity in Iraq and Afghanistan, there have been over 1100 major limbamputations among United States service members. With a sustained military presence in the MiddleEast, continued severe Lower Extremity trauma is inevitable. For this reason, combat surgeons mustunderstand the various amputation levels as well as the anatomic and technical details that enable anoptimal functional outcome. These Amputations are unique and usually result from blast mechanismsand are complicated by broad zones of injury with severe contamination and ongoing infection. Thecombat servicemen are young, previously healthy, and have the promising potential to rehabilitate tovery high levels of activity. Therefore, every practical effort should be made to perform sound initial anddefinitive trauma- related Amputations so that these casualties may return to their highest possible levelof function.

Lower Extremity Combat-Related Amputations LT Scott M. Tintle, MD,1 LCDR Jonathan Agner Forsberg, MD,1,2 CDR John J. Keeling, MD,1,2 LTC Scott B. Shawen, MD,1,2 and MAJ Benjamin Kyle Potter, MD1,2

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  Lower, Combat, Related, Extremity, Amputations, Lower extremity combat related amputations

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