A method for determining the rate of major limb amputations in battle casualties: experiences of a British Field Hospital in Iraq, 2003.
BACKGROUND
The majority of battle casualties undergoing surgery at 34 Field Hospital, the sole Coalition field hospital in Iraq during the conflict, sustained injuries to the extremities. To compare our experiences with those from previous conflicts, we report data on major limb amputations and propose a method for determining the rate of major limb amputation in a conflict setting.


METHODS
A retrospective review of battle casualties admitted to the hospital was carried out based on casualty records and operating theatre logbooks. Data were collected for the period 26 March and 8 May 2003, focusing on casualties undergoing surgery for battle-injured extremities during the conflict.


RESULTS
68 (55%) casualties underwent surgery for battle injuries to extremities. Six upper and eight lower limb amputations (proximal to carpals and tarsals) were carried out from a total of 87 battle-injured limbs that had surgery, giving an overall amputation rate of 16% (14/87).


CONCLUSIONS
In presenting our amputation rate of 16%, we highlight the lack of uniformity in describing 'amputation rates' between conflicts. A consistent method for quantifying amputations performed in a conflict setting could prove to be a useful tool.
Ramalingam
T
T
Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham UK. thanesanr@hotmail.com
Pathak
G
G
Barker
P
P
D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D001753:Blast Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007493:Iraq / Q000453:epidemiology; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008499:Medical Records; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014857:Warfare; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery