Characteristics of combat-related spine injuries: a review of recent literature.
Injuries to the spinal column in combat casualties sustained during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are common, and the highest in reported wartime history. High-energy blast mechanisms from improved explosive devices have resulted in complex polytrauma and injury patterns, which are often markedly different from those injuries encountered in civilian trauma. Herein, we review the most current literature with regard to the distinct types of combat-related spine injuries/concomitant comorbidities sustained in Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn.
Stroke Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health (NINDS/NIH), 10 Center Drive, Room B1D-733, MSC 1063, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Joshua D
JD
Bernstock
Division of Orthopaedics, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Connor M
CM
Caples
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20889.
Scott C
SC
Wagner
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20889.
Daniel G
DG
Kang
Division of Orthopaedics, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Ronald A
RA
Lehman
D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D001753:Blast Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008889:Military Personnel; D015995:Prevalence; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013131:Spine; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D000067398:War-Related Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology*