Internal fixation in a combat theater hospital

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Combat medicine
• Trauma surgery

Background:

• Limited data exist on internal fixation use in combat zone hospitals.
• Assessing the safety and efficacy of internal fixation in austere environments is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the epidemiology and outcomes of internal fixation in combat casualties.
• To evaluate the complication rates associated with internal fixation in a Level III theater hospital.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 713 surgical cases.
• Analysis of data from two Operation Enduring Freedom deployments (2007, 2009-2010).
• Focus on patients treated with internal fixation devices.

Main Results:

• Internal fixation was utilized in a significant number of combat casualties.
• Short- to intermediate-term outcomes were assessed.
• Acceptable complication rates were observed with judicious use.

Conclusions:

• Internal fixation can be performed safely in combat theater hospitals.
• A damage control protocol supports the judicious use of internal fixation.
• This approach offers acceptable outcomes for combat-related orthopedic injuries.