Feasibility of negative pressure wound therapy during intercontinental aeromedical evacuation of combat casualties.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of utilizing negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for the treatment of wartime soft-tissue wounds during intercontinental aeromedical evacuation.

Background: Attempts to use NPWT during early phases of overseas contingency operations resulted in occasional vacuum system failures and potentially contributed to wound complications. These anecdotal episodes led to a perception that NPWT during aeromedical evacuation carried a high risk of wound complications and limited its use.

Advances in the care of battlefield orthopaedic injuries.

Musculoskeletal wounds are the most common type of injury among survivors of combat trauma. The treatment of these wounds entails many challenges. Although methods of care are evolving, significant gaps remain as knowledge of civilian trauma is extrapolated to combat injuries.

Use of negative pressure wound therapy during aeromedical evacuation of patients with combat-related blast injuries.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate safety and feasibility of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) during aeromedical evacuation from a combat zone to a regional treatment center. A retrospective review of patients who received NPWT during aeromedical evacuation from Iraq or Afghanistan to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) was performed. Data were collected describing mechanism of injury; anatomic site of NPWT application; number of sites per patient; date and time of NPWT application; date, time, and wound condition on arrival and inspection at LRMC; and complications encountered during aeromedical evacuation.

Closed intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures in an echelon III facility.

This study was performed to assess the safety of performing intramedullary (IM) nailing in an established echelon III theater hospital. Twenty-two patients (23 fractures) sustained subtrochanteric or diaphyseal femur fractures and presented to the Air Force theater hospital (AFTH) at Balad Air Base, Iraq, for definitive treatment. Sixteen grade IIIA open fractures underwent staged intramedullary nailing.

The role of negative pressure wound therapy with reticulated open cell foam in the treatment of war wounds.

The treatment of war wounds poses many unique challenges to all healthcare providers (surgeons, flight medics, nurses, etc.), whether they are located at the far forward trauma hospitals located in or near areas of conflict, at regional hospitals such as Landstuhl Medical Center in Germany, or the larger military hospitals in the United States. These complex wounds often involve massive loss of soft tissue and bone, are contaminated, and are unlike most injuries seen at civilian hospitals.

Orthopaedic war injuries: from combat casualty care to definitive treatment: a current review of clinical advances, basic science, and research opportunities.

Musculoskeletal war wounds often involve massive injury to bone and soft tissue that differ markedly in character and extent compared with most injuries seen in civilian practice. These complex injuries have challenged orthopaedic surgeons to the limits of their treatment abilities on the battlefield, during medical evacuation, and in subsequent definitive or reconstructive treatment. Newer methodologies are being used in the treatment of these wounds to prevent so-called second hit complications, decrease complications associated with prolonged medical evacuation, reduce the incidence of infection, and restore optimal function.

Civilian and detainee orthopaedic surgical care at an Air Force theater hospital.

This study is a retrospective analysis of the orthopaedic care rendered to Iraqi citizens, both military and civilian, and detainees in Balad, Iraq, at an Air Force theater hospital. Defining the scope of care for this patient group and emphasizing the differences in care provided for the endemic population in contrast to the rapidly air-evacuated Coalition injured combatant are the primary focus of the study. Approximately 50% of more than 1600 trauma/combat-related injury admissions to Air Force Theater Hospital in Balad, Iraq, from the period of September 2, 2005 through January 18, 2006, were Iraqi citizens and detainees.

Levels of medical care in the global war on terrorism.

Trauma care for military personnel injured in Iraq has become increasingly sophisticated. There are five levels, or echelons, of care, each progressively more advanced. Level I care provides immediate first aid at the front line.

Ketorolac use in the national football league: prevalence, efficacy, and adverse events.

Researchers who surveyed usage patterns, effectiveness, and possible adverse effects of ketorolac tromethamine among National Football League players found some common themes among the 31 teams that responded. Though isolated adverse events were noted, most team healthcare providers felt that ketorolac is effective and safe when the team physician directs its use.