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Comminuted Femur Fracture in a Free Fall Jump: A Case Report
Rachel E Bridwell1, Joshua J Oliver1, Danielle Ziehl1
1Department of Emergency Medicine, San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, 3551 Roger Brooke Dr, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234.
Military Medicine
|December 3, 2019
Summary
Military free fall operations carry risks of high-energy injuries. A Marine sustained a severe femoral neck fracture, highlighting the potential for trauma in these specialized jumps.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Military medicine
- Trauma research
Background:
- Military free fall (MFF) is crucial for special operations, but injury patterns are poorly understood.
- Unlike static line paratroopers, MFF operators face risks from prolonged descents and high-velocity impacts during parachute deployment.
- Understanding these unique injury risks is vital for operator safety and tactical effectiveness.
Observation:
- A case report details a 33-year-old Marine Corps Reconnaissance operator.
- The operator experienced a left comminuted basicervical femoral neck fracture.
- This injury occurred during a high-risk military free fall operation.
Findings:
- The comminuted basicervical femoral neck fracture required surgical intervention.
- Cephalomedullary nail internal fixation was performed for treatment.
- The operator achieved a full recovery following the procedure.
Implications:
- This case underscores the severe, high-energy trauma potential in military free fall.
- Femoral neck fractures can occur in operators due to the demands of MFF.
- Findings emphasize the need for continued research into MFF injury patterns and prevention strategies.
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