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Amputee soldiers and their return to active duty
D Kishbaugh1, T R Dillingham, R S Howard
1Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, NC.
Military Medicine
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Few soldiers continue active duty after amputation. This study found only 2.3% of amputee soldiers remained on active duty following a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) review.
Area of Science:
- Military Medicine
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Amputation presents significant challenges for military personnel.
- Understanding long-term outcomes for active-duty amputees is crucial for force readiness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the retention rate of soldiers on active duty after amputation.
- To identify factors influencing continued service post-amputation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of computerized records.
- Analysis of amputee soldiers evaluated by Army Physical Evaluation Boards (PEBs) over an 8-year period (1980-1988).
Main Results:
- Only 2.3% (11 of 469) of soldiers remained on active duty post-amputation.
- Most returning soldiers had partial hand or foot amputations or were below-knee amputees.
- No female soldiers returned to active duty during the study period.
Conclusions:
- Continuation on active duty after amputation is rare.
- Further research is needed to characterize active-duty amputees and their performance impacts.