Military medicine
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Neck pain among rotary-wing aviators has been established as an important issue in the military community, yet no U.S. Army regulation defines exactly what cervical spine range of motion (CROM) is adequate for flight. This lack of regulation leaves flight surgeons to subjectively determine whether an aviator affected by limited CROM is fit to maintain flight status. The U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory is conducting a study among AH-64 and UH-60 pilots to define CROM requirements in simulated and actual flight using optical head tracking equipment. Presented here is a preliminary analysis of head position data from a pilot and co-pilot in two AH-64 missions. ⋯ This investigation provides a proof of concept for analysis of head tracking data from MDR files as a surrogate measure of neck posture in order to estimate CROM requirements in rotary-wing military flight missions. Future studies will analyze differences in day and night flights, pilot versus co-pilot CROM, and neck movement frequency.
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Developing affordable and effective hemostatic and antimicrobial wound dressings for prolonged field care (PFC) of open wounds is of interest to prevent infection, to prevent sepsis, and to conserve tissue viability. The need for an effective hemostatic dressing that is also antimicrobial is required of a hemostatic dressing that can be left in place for extended periods (days). This is particularly important in light of the existence of pathogens that have coagulopathy properties. Thus, dressings that provide effective hemostasis and reduction in the frequency of dressing changes, whereas exerting robust antimicrobial activity are of interest for PFC. Highly cleaned and sterile unbleached cotton has constituents not found in bleached cotton that are beneficial to the hemostatic and inflammatory stages of wound healing. Here, we demonstrate two approaches to cotton-based antimicrobial dressings that utilize the unique components of the cotton fiber with simple modification to confer a high degree of hemostatic and antimicrobial efficacy. ⋯ Based on this study, a multilayered hemostatic dressing with antimicrobial properties is envisioned. This dressing would be safe, would be economical, and have a stable shelf-life that would be conducive for using PFC.
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Military spouses play a critical role in supporting military service members, and thus, their experiences may have a significant impact on the well-being, readiness, and resilience of the U.S. Armed Forces. Research suggests that military spouses experience unique stressors as a result of military life, but few studies have assessed demographic factors associated with their experiences of military life and perceived support. ⋯ These findings may help guide effective channeling of resources and outreach to potentially vulnerable military families.
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Traumatic peripheral nerve injuries (TPNIs) are increasingly prevalent in battlefield trauma, and the functional recovery with TPNIs depends on axonal continuity. Although the physical examination is the main tool for clinical diagnosis with diagnostic work up, there is no diagnostic tool available to differentiate nerve injuries based on axonal continuity. Therefore, treatment often relies on "watchful waiting," and this leads to muscle weakness and further reduces the chances of functional recovery. 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) is clinically used in multiple sclerosis patients for walking performance improvement. Preliminary results in conscious mice suggested a diagnostic role of 4-AP in distinguishing axonal continuity. In this study, we thought to evaluate the diagnostic potential of 4-AP on the axonal continuity in unawake/sedated animals. ⋯ We conclude that 4-AP could be a promising diagnostic agent in differentiating TPNI based on axonal continuity.
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Throughout history, underground systems have served military purposes in both offensive and defensive tactical settings. With the advance of underground mining, combat tactics, and weapon systems, providing medical support in the subterranean battlefield is a constantly growing challenge. This retrospective cohort study describes the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) Medical Corps experience with treating casualties from underground warfare, as recorded in the IDF Trauma Registry. ⋯ To plan and provide medical support, a thorough understanding of operational planning is essential. This manuscript presents the evolution of underground warfare, tactical and medical implications, environmental hazards, and common casualty care challenges.