Injury of the musculoskeletal system in civilian casualties as a result of hostilities. Report 1. Age structure

Abstract

The integration of the military medical supply system into the unified medical space of Ukraine involves the functional combination of forces and means of medical services and the civilian health care system in order to maximize their capabilities for effective medical supply of the troops while preserving organizational independence. The purpose of our study was to determine the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of civilian patients with trauma due to modern hostilities. Materials and methods. To carry out our work, we analyzed skeletal traumas in 137 civilian patients who were injured during modern hostilities in Ukraine and were treated in health care facilities of the frontline zone in 2014–2023. Results. Comparing epidemiological data in two different periods of the war in Ukraine, we concluded that there is some difference in the age structure of victims with traumatic injuries sustained during modern hostilities. Thus, during the high-intensity conflict, the number of children’s injuries increased dramatically. The share of victims under the age of 15 during the full-scale invasion increased 4.5 times. In this period, the percentage of young and middle-aged wounded civilians decreased. If in the period of Anti-Terrorist Operation/Joint Forces Operation the number of people aged 16–60 was 67.6 %, then with the beginning of hostilities their share decreased to 42.0 %. This trend indicates the strengthening of internal and external migration starting from February 2022. Unlike the young and middle-aged, the share of elderly and senile people increased dramatically during the full-scale war. During the period of low-intensity military operations, the number of patients aged 61–91 was 29.4 %, while during high-intensity conflict, it was already 44.8 %. A sharp increase in traumatic injuries among elderly and senile patients is another feature of this conflict. Conclusions. Publicizing the experience of providing medical care to patients with injuries sustained due to military actions in Ukraine is only at the beginning of its existence. That is why, based on the above, we planned to continue scientific research on this problem.