Musculoskeletal disorders in physically active conscripts: a one-year follow-up study in the Finnish Defence Forces

Henri Taanila,Harri Pihlajamäki,Jaana Suni,Olli Ohrankämmen,Ville M Mattila,Petteri Vuorinen,Jari Parkkari

doi:10.1186/1471-2474-10-89

Abstract

BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are an important cause for morbidity in military service. They result in disabilities needing long-term rehabilitation and functional impairment leading to premature discharge from military service. The purpose of the study was to investigate the incidence and nature of MSDs in Finnish conscripts.MethodsTwo successive arrivals of 18–28-yr-old male conscripts (N = 955, median age 19) were followed for six months. MSDs, including overuse and acute injuries, treated at the garrison clinic were identified and analysed.ResultsDuring the 12-month study period there were 437 outpatient clinic visits in 955 persons. The occurrence rate was 33% during 6-month service while the event-based incidence was 3.3 per 1000 person-days. Occurrence peaked in summer months. The most common types of MSDs were low back pain (LBP, 20%), lower limb overuse injuries (16%) and sprains or strains (13%). Disorders mostly occurred in combat training in combat gear (40%) and during marching on foot or bicycle (28%). Overuse-related MSDs were more prevalent (66%) than traumatic ones (34%). One-third (34%) of the MSDs were recurrent and 66% were new ones. Disorders of the back and the knee were most frequently recurrent conditions (44% for both). Fractures, knee ligament ruptures, dislocations and muscle strains accounted for the highest number of service days lost. Twenty-four (2.5%) out of 955 conscripts were prematurely discharged due to MSDs.ConclusionPreventive measures during military service should be targeted at decreasing low back pain and lower limb overuse injuries, because these inflict the largest burden of MSDs and tend to have a chronic nature.

Highlights

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are an important cause for morbidity in military service
Since over 80% of the male citizens in Finland complete their compulsory military service, musculoskeletal injuries and disorders during military service have importance from the public health point of view. They result in disabilities needing expensive treatment, long-term rehabilitation and functional impairment leading to premature discharge from military service
Occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders During the 12-month study period (July 2006 – June 2007), altogether 437 outpatient clinic visits were registered in the garrison clinic due to MSDs

Summary

Introduction

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are an important cause for morbidity in military service They result in disabilities needing long-term rehabilitation and functional impairment leading to premature discharge from military service. A recently published hospital discharge register-based study reported an annual incidence for traumatic injury hospitalisation of 94 per 1000 conscripts over a 10-year study period, and concluded that injuries represent a major cause of morbidity in the Finnish Defence Forces. Since over 80% of the male citizens in Finland complete their compulsory military service, musculoskeletal injuries and disorders during military service have importance from the public health point of view. They result in disabilities needing expensive treatment, long-term rehabilitation and functional impairment leading to premature discharge from military service

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