Initial injury severity and social factors determine ability to deploy after combat-related amputation

Chad A. Krueger, Joseph C. Wenke

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective While many recent publications have examined the ability of amputees to return to active duty, it remains largely unknown why few amputees deploy after amputation and many amputees do not. The purpose of this study is to examine what predictor(s) exist for whether or not an amputee will deploy after sustaining a combat-related amputation. Methods All U.S. Service members who sustained major extremity amputations from September 2001 through July 2011 were analysed. Amputation level(s), mechanism of injury, time interval to amputation, age, rank, Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) disposition and ability to deploy after amputation were determined. Results Deployment information after amputation was obtained for 953 amputees. There were 47 (5%) amputees who deployed. There were no significant differences amongst service branches for the deployment of amputees (p > 0.2). Amputees who underwent their amputation on the same day of their injury were significantly less likely to deploy after amputation than those who had their amputation on the day of injury (p =.01). Deployed amputees had significantly lower Injury Severity Scores than amputees who did not deploy (15.98 vs 20.87, p < 0.01) and officers were significantly (p <.01) more likely to deploy and the average age of amputees who deployed was significantly higher than those who did not (27.5 vs 25.1, p <.01). Lastly, those amputees who sustained a transtibial amputation were significantly more likely to deploy than all other amputation levels (p <.01). Nine out of 19 (47%) Special Forces amputees were able to deploy. Discussion The vast majority of amputees do not able to deploy after undergoing amputation. The main predictors of deploying after sustaining a combat-related amputation appear to be: sustaining a transtibial amputation, being of senior rank or age and being a member of the Special Forces. Many of these factors appear to be non-treatment related and highlight the importance that individual and social factors play in the recovery of severe injuries.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1231-1235
Number of pages5
JournalInjury
Volume45
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Amputation
  • Amputee activity
  • Amputee deployment
  • Amputee level of function
  • Mangled extremity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Emergency Medicine
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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