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War wounds to the foot
B Nemec1, V Santić, D Matovinović
1Clinic for Orthopedic Surgery, University of Rijeka, Lovran, Croatia.
Military Medicine
|February 5, 2000
Summary
Antipersonnel mine injuries in soldiers treated with external fixation showed effective wound care and fracture healing. This method facilitated early weight bearing, improving outcomes for complex foot trauma.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Military Medicine
Background:
- Antipersonnel mines cause severe foot injuries in soldiers.
- Warfare presents unique challenges for orthopedic trauma management.
- Standard treatment protocols for complex foot trauma require evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a specific treatment protocol for antipersonnel mine-induced foot injuries.
- To assess the role of external fixation in managing complex foot trauma.
- To determine the impact of the protocol on wound healing and fracture consolidation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 39 soldiers with antipersonnel mine foot injuries.
- Standardized protocol including debridement, necrectomy, and external fixation.
- External fixation utilized with or without Kirschner wires.
Main Results:
- External fixation facilitated effective postoperative wound care.
- The technique prevented malunion and contracture deformities.
- Fracture healing was achieved, allowing for early weight bearing.
Conclusions:
- A standardized protocol involving debridement, necrectomy, and external fixation is effective for antipersonnel mine foot injuries.
- External fixation is a valuable tool for managing complex foot trauma, promoting healing and early mobilization.
- This approach offers a viable solution for soldiers sustaining severe combat-related foot injuries.