title: Rates of ankle and foot injuries in active-duty U.S. Army soldiers, 2000-2006.
abstract: Ankle and foot injuries (AFI) are a major cause of Active-Duty Army (ADA) soldiers' time lost from training and combat operations. We used the Total Army Injury and Health Outcomes Database to compute the rates of AFI to identify high-risk ADA groups for the years 2000-2006. During this time, 16% of soldiers were clinically seen at least once for an AFI. Yearly, 60% to 70% of ADA soldiers with AFI had an ankle sprain/strain, and ankle sprain/strain had the highest 7-year rate of all AFIs (103 per 1,000). From 2000 to 2006, all AFI rates declined; however, enlisted male soldiers < or = 30 years of age without an advanced degree were at highest risk. A history of an AFI in the previous 2 years increased AFI rates by 93% to 160%. Our findings provide preliminary evidence for identifying specific ADA groups at high risk of AFI; these groups should be targeted for preventive interventions.
authors: Injury Epidemiology Section, Military Performance Division, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, 42 Kansas Street, Natick, MA 01760-5007, USA.
authors: Robert F
authors: RF
authors: Wallace
authors: Monika M
authors: MM
authors: Wahi
authors: Owen T
authors: OT
authors: Hill
authors: Ashley B
authors: AB
authors: Kay
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult