title: Nonconventional uses of the rocket-propelled grenade and its consequences.
abstract: Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom have forced U.S. and allied medical personnel caring for wounded soldiers to reassess nonconventional uses of the rocket-propelled grenade. The effects can be devastating when this device is used as an antipersonnel weapon, producing large blast injuries that are limb and life threatening. A classic case presentation followed by a short historical perspective on the rocket-propelled grenade and a proposed algorithm for initial care of these wounds is presented.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Surgery Clinic, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Reid Street, Tacoma, WA 98431-1100, USA.
authors.forename: Brian J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Woebkenberg
authors.forename: John G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Devine
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rush
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Starnes
authors.forename: Harry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Stinger
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D001753:Blast Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D003646:Debridement; D016267:External Fixators; D006801:Humans; D007493:Iraq; D008297:Male; D008887:Military Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D008889:Military Personnel; D010360:Patient Transfer; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation; D014481:United States; D014754:Violence; D014857:Warfare