A review of 41 upper extremity war injuries and the protective gear worn during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Forty-one patients with upper extremity war injuries sustained during combat operations Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom were reviewed to report on protective gear availability and usage at the time of injury. Participants treated at the Madigan Army Medical Center occupational therapy clinic from August 2004 until February 2005 completed a questionnaire regarding injuries sustained during deployment. Overall, 6 injuries were to upper extremity regions that were covered with issued protective gear; 21 injuries were to areas not covered with issued protective gear (i.e., participant was not wearing issued gear), and 22 injuries were to regions that were not covered because no protective gear was issued for that body area. Although this study is limited, future research would provide valuable insights about the efficacy of current body armor and the need for additional or modified gear.

Early mobilization using dynamic splinting with acute triceps tendon avulsion.

Avulsion of the triceps tendon is rare, and no previous report of a completed dynamic splinting rehabilitation plan was found in the literature. A case of a military member and power weightlifter who sustained a triceps tendon avulsion and repair is presented with a six-month follow-up. The rehabilitation program included early active elbow flexion and passive extension using a dynamic elbow splint. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) 1-3 questionnaire was used to monitor the patient's use of his right dominant arm while in the dynamic splint. The DASH scores indicated that he experienced improved use of his affected arm during the splinting period. The end result was a good return of function within 13 weeks and full resumption of work and bodybuilding activities in six months, three months earlier than others reported in the literature who were immobilized after surgery. 4,5.