A Novel Stress Fracture Rehabilitation Program: A Pilot Study.

Introduction: Stress fractures (SFx) of the tibia are common and limit military readiness, but there is presently no scientifically validated program that objectively fosters tibia SFx rehabilitation. Therefore, this pilot study evaluated the feasibility of a Graduated Exercise Program (GEP) based on the theory that programmed rest between exercise bouts improves the osteogenic response, which may enhance rehabilitation and military readiness.

Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to the GEP or standard-of-care exercise program.

The Impact of Cigarette Smoking on the Formation of Heterotopic Ossification Among Service Members With a Traumatic Amputation.

Background: Heterotopic ossification (HO), the abnormal formation of lamellar bone in soft nonosseous tissue, has been identified as a potential complication following a traumatic amputation or traumatic brain injury (TBI). HO occurs at a dramatically higher rate among military casualties than among civilian casualties. Most investigators agree that in order for HO to form three conditions must be present: (1) osteogenic precursor cells, (2) an inducing agent or event, and 3) an environment conducive to ostoegenesis.

The Role of Army Nurse Practitioners Supporting Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Family nurse practitioners are an essential member of the military medical team. They were incorporated into the Army medical system almost as soon as there was an academic program to develop the role in primary care settings. The role for nurse practitioners during deployment has not been as clear.

Chapter 9 prehospital tourniquets: review, recommendations, and future research.

The tourniquet is a simple device that has been used since the Middle Ages. Although different variations have been designed throughout its history, the simplicity of design has remained. The history of tourniquets follows two distinct paths--the operating room and the prehospital setting.

Improving the adoption of evidence-based practice among nurses in Army outpatient medical treatment facilities.

This quality improvement project implemented and evaluated an evidence-based practice (EBP) program at two Army outpatient health care facilities. The EBP program consisted of five implementation strategies that aimed to inculcate EBP into organizational culture as well as nursing practice and culture. A conceptual model of the "Diffusion of Innovations" theory was adapted to explain the application of the program.

A model for patient-centered Army primary care.

This pilot evaluated a novel method of primary care delivery in a military family practice setting. A registered nurse, registered nurse case manager, and primary care provider formed the patient management team. Approximately 2,500 empanelled patients participated in a pilot program that applied a patient-centered approach to primary care.

Deployment experiences of Army nurse practitioners.

Army Nurse Practitioners (NPs) provide immediate and lifesaving care during combat operations. The most recent conflicts of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom have seen an increasing number of NP deployments. The uniqueness of these conflicts has also seen NPs being used in nontraditional roles.

Resource utilization in the management of young patients with syncope in a combat theater of operations.

Unlabelled: Clinical features of young patients presenting with syncope have been underreported.

Methods: Retrospective review using U.S.

Creatine kinase BB isoenzyme blood levels in trauma patients with suspected mild traumatic brain injury.

This pilot study sought to determine if creatine kinase isoenzyme BB (CK-BB) levels might serve as a biological marker of injury severity in mild TBI (mTBI). This was a retrospective study of 64 soldiers with suspected mTBI seen in a combat support hospital in Mosul between March and August of 2007. Four of the 64 total samples were positive for CK-BB.

Scrotal pathology in the outpatient setting in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence and pathology of scrotal pain among military men deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. It is a retrospective review of patients seen by the urology service at a U.S.