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Traumatic Finger Amputation in the U.S. Military
James A Jordan1, Michael M Polmear1, Matthew E Wells1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, El Paso, TX 79918, USA.
Military Medicine
|December 15, 2022
Summary
Traumatic finger amputations in the U.S. Military often require 6 weeks of limited duty. Tobacco use, junior enlisted status, and thumb/index finger injuries increase medical separation risk.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Military Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Traumatic finger amputations significantly impact military readiness and function.
- Limited epidemiological and outcome data exist for these injuries in active duty personnel.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for maintaining medical readiness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define demographic data for transphalangeal finger amputations in the U.S. Military.
- To identify epidemiological risk factors associated with medical readiness after finger injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of military electronic medical records (2016-2019).
- Included traumatic transphalangeal amputation ICD-10 codes S68.5 (thumb) and S68.6 (finger).
- Primary outcomes: median activity limitation length, return to duty, and medical separation.
Main Results:
- 235 service members included; 94% returned to full duty.
- Median limited duty period was 6 weeks.
- Risk factors for medical separation: tobacco use (OR 5.53), junior enlisted status (OR 5.51), thumb/index finger injury (OR 3.50).
Conclusions:
- Traumatic finger amputations can limit duties and lead to medical separation in a high-demand military population.
- These injuries commonly result in approximately 6 weeks of restricted duty.
- Tobacco use, younger age, and specific finger involvement are key risk factors.
