Fate of combat nerve injury

Abstract

Assess a cohort of combat related type III open tibia fractures with peripheral nerve injury to determine the injury mechanism and likelihood for recovery or improvement in nerve function. Out of a study cohort of 213 type III open tibia fractures, 32 fractures (in 32 patients) with a total of 43 peripheral nerve injuries (peroneal or tibial) distal to the popliteal fossa met inclusion criteria and were available for follow up at an average of 20 months (range, 2 48 months). Type III open tibia fractures sustained in combat are associated with a 22% incidence of peripheral nerve injury, and the majority are due to multiple projectile penetrating injury. Despite the severe nature of these injuries, the vast majority of patients had a functional nerve status by an average of 2 year follow up. Based on these findings, discussions regarding limb salvage and amputation should not be overly influenced by the patient's peripheral nerve status.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA615043

Entities

People

  • Benjamin K. Potter
  • Joseph C Wenke
  • Joseph R. Hsu
  • Michael J. Beltran
  • Tobin T. Eckel
  • Travis C. Burns

Organizations

  • United States Army Institute of Surgical Research

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biomedical Research
  • Combat Injuries
  • Energy
  • Explosives
  • High Energy
  • Information Science
  • Institutional Review Board
  • Lower Extremity
  • Military Medicine
  • Orthopedics
  • Pain
  • Penetrating Wounds
  • Peripheral Nervous System
  • Soft Tissues
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Upper Extremity
  • Wounds And Injuries

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Neuroscience
  • Neurotrauma and Rehabilitation Medicine.
  • Trauma or Military Medicine