ANALYSIS OF CASUALTIES REFERRED TO ARMY PHYSICAL MEDICINE SERVICES DURING THE PERSIAN-GULF CONFLICT

This study describes the casualties referred during the Persian Gulf W ar and underscores the valuable role of Army physical medicine and reh abilitation (PMR) services in evaluation and early rehabilitation of w artime casualties. Data regarding demographics, injury types, medical complications, complications of immobility and functional limitations were collected by military physiatrists at five Army Medical Centers w ith PMR services. Active duty soldiers injured in the Persian Gulf War who were referred totalled 222. Musculoskeletal injuries occurred in 57%, peripheral nerve injuries in 44%, penetrating wounds in 32%, frac tures in 28%, brain injuries in 8%, amputations in 7%, burns in 6% and spinal cord injuries in 3%. The primary referral service was orthoped ics (64%). Electrodiagnostic evaluations were performed for 41% of all referrals. Lower limb and upper limb contractures occurred in 10% and 9% of patients, respectively. Ambulatory impairments were seen in 48% . Nerve injuries were associated with penetrating wounds in 68%, with amputations in 67% and with fractures in 58%.