Open AccessAmputation Is Not Isolated: An Overview of the US Army Amputee Patient Care Program and Associated Amputee Injuries
Author(s) -
Benjamin K. Potter,
Charles R. Scoville
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of the american academy of orthopaedic surgeons
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.343
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1095-8762
pISSN - 1067-151X
DOI - 10.5435/00124635-200600001-00041
Subject(s) - medicine , amputation , psychosocial , rehabilitation , limiting , multidisciplinary approach , medical emergency , physical therapy , surgery , psychiatry , mechanical engineering , social science , sociology , engineering
Rates of amputation as a percentage of all combat injuries have increased significantly since the Korean War. Following traumatic and combat-related amputation, definitive treatment and rehabilitation require a large, multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive medical and supportive care. Associated injuries are remarkably frequent, complicating treatment and potentially delaying rehabilitation and/or limiting outcomes. Patient and family psychosocial issues also must be assessed and appropriately addressed. The US Army Amputee Patient Care Program, with the support of numerous other government and private organizations, has been developed to meet the comprehensive medical, rehabilitative, and social needs of amputees injured in the current global war on terrorism, with the goal of maximizing subsequent patient outcomes utilizing a sports medicine approach.