Journal of the Royal Naval Medical Service
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A frequently-seen injury pattern in current military experience is traumatic lower limb amputation as a result of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). This injury can coexist with fractures involving the pelvic ring. This study aims to assess the frequency of concomitant pelvic fracture in IED-related lower limb amputation. ⋯ The study demonstrates a high incidence of pelvic fractures in patients with traumatic lower limb amputations, supporting the routine pre-hospital application of pelvic binders in this patient group.
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We present eleven years of prospectively-gathered data defining the full spectrum of the United Kingdom's (UK) Naval Service (Royal Navy and Royal Marines) casualties, and characterise the injury patterns, recovery and residual functional burden from the conflicts of the last decade. The UK Military Trauma Registry was searched for all Naval Service personnel injured between March 2003 and April 2013. These records were then cross-referenced with the records of the Naval Service Medical Board of Survey (NSMBOS), which evaluates injured Naval Service personnel for medical discharge, continued service in a reduced capacity or Return to Full Duty (RTD). ⋯ The most common reason cited by Naval Service Medical Board of Survey (NSMBOS) for medical downgrading or discharge was injury to the lower limb, with upper limb trauma the next most frequent. This study characterises the spectrum of injuries sustained by the Naval Service during recent conflicts with a very high rate of follow-up. Extremity injuries pose the biggest challenge to reconstructive and rehabilitative services striving to maximise the functional outcomes of injured service personnel.
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Sport-related eye injuries are a common cause of acute ocular injury. This article provides a basic clinical overview of the diagnosis and immediate medical management of sport-related eye injuries, and is relevant to all Armed Forces primary care and emergency medicine practitioners.
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Biography Historical Article
Surgeon Commander W.D. (Bill) McNicoll FRCS RN (Retd), 1940-2014.