Are Gait Parameters for Through-knee Amputees Different From Matched Transfemoral Amputees?

Background: Through-knee amputation is a common amputation level after battlefield injuries during the medical evacuation process. However, there are limited data comparing through-knee amputation with transfemoral amputation as a definitive amputation level in terms of gait parameters.

Questions/purposes: (1) Does through-knee amputation result in improved gait velocity when compared with matched transfemoral amputees? (2) Do through-knee amputees have a faster gait cadence than matched transfemoral amputees? (3) Do through-knee amputees have a different stride length or stride width than matched transfemoral amputees? (4) Does through-knee amputation result in decreased work of ambulation when compared with matched transfemoral amputees?

Methods: Between January 2008 and December 2012, six male active-duty military patients who had undergone unilateral through-knee amputations as a result of trauma underwent gait studies at our institution.

Collaborative Establishment of an Integrated Orthotic and Rehabilitation Pathway.

Returning to active military duty and to recreational activities has been difficult for service members sustaining combat-related high-energy lower extremity trauma (HELET). The Return to Run (RTR) clinical pathway was introduced in 2009 with favorable results in returning active duty service members to running, sports participation, active duty, and deployments. The RTR pathway was introduced at a second institution in 2011 to determine if the pathway could be reproduced at a different institution.

Challenges in definitive fracture management of blast injuries.

The United States military remains engaged in the longest armed conflict in this nation's history. The majority of casualties in the global war on terror come from blast-related injuries. Multiple centers have published their experience and outcomes with these complex patients.

Evolution of acute orthopaedic care.

Current combat battlefield injuries are among the most complex and challenging orthopaedic cases. These injuries carry high risks for exsanguination and global contamination of extensive soft-tissue and complicated bony injuries. Military orthopaedic surgeons must employ the latest advances in acute combat casualty care to achieve favorable outcomes.

Dehydration effects on the risk of severe decompression sickness in a swine model.

Background: Several physiological factors have been suspected of affecting the risk of decompression sickness (DCS), but few have been thoroughly studied during controlled conditions. Dehydration is a potential factor that could increase the risk of DCS. It has been suggested that hydration may enhance inert gas removal or increase surface tension of the blood.

Treatment of decompression sickness in swine with intravenous perfluorocarbon emulsion.

Background: We examined an adjunctive treatment for severe decompression sickness (DCS) to be used when hyperbaric treatment is delayed or unavailable.

Hypothesis: It has been hypothesized that intravenous perfluorocarbon (PFC) emulsion combined with 100% inspired O2 would improve the outcome in severe DCS.

Methods: Swine (n = 45) were compressed to 4.

Prophylactic high dose methylprednisolone fails to treat severe decompression sickness in swine.

Introduction: Controlled decompression from saturation conditions is not always an option, particularly in a disabled submarine scenario. Hypothesis Prophylactic high dose methylprednisolone (MP) would improve outcome in severe cases of decompression sickness (DCS).

Methods: Littermate pairs of male Yorkshire swine (n = 86, mean weight +/- SE = 19.