The military upper extremity amputee

Throughout the course of military history, soldiers have continued to sustain amputation injuries during war times and during peacetime and training missions. What has changed over time is the etiology of, indication for, and management of the amputations. Technology has advanced significantly, often with some military connection. More work still needs to be done, especially in the areas of greater prosthetic limb function and usage as well as phantom pain and sensation management. Collaborative efforts among physiatrists, surgeons, prosthetists, and therapists can only benefit the patient.