For Combat Wounded: Extremity Trauma Therapies From the USAISR

Abstract

Abstract : Our focus here is on the future role of the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR) in reducing the morbidity associated with extremity combat wounds. These wounds are the most frequent and debilitating suffered in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). There have been over 40,000 total American combat casualties in OEF and OIF, and of those severely injured on the battlefield, 82% had at least 1 musculoskeletal extremity wound. USAISR is a subordinate command of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC), and since 1947 it has been located at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX. The Army Burn Unit has been an integral part of USAISR since 1949. Research on trauma and orthopedics has been a part of USAISR's mission since 1970. The USAISR buildings are contiguous with Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), which enables the research organization to have a unique in-depth understanding of the combat injuries and the medical challenges faced by the clinicians who treat them. Our mission is to optimize combat casualty care (CCC). In fulfilling this mission, USAISR provides requirements-driven CCC medical solutions and products for injured warriors from self-aid through definitive care. Research is currently organized in 9 Task Areas, i.e., Extremity Trauma and Regenerative Medicine, Damage Control Resuscitation, Pain Control, Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Medical Monitoring, Critical Care Engineering, Clinical Trials, Eye Trauma, Craniomaxillofacial, and Blood (Coagulopathy), to focus on the most critical aspects of combat wound care from the battlefield to upper echelon hospitals. Our core research program is funded and supported by the USAMRMC through 2 complementary Research Area Directorates, CCC and Clinical and Rehabilitative Medicine. We also receive funding from competitive peer-reviewed grant programs and biotechnology companies.