Orthopedic Surgery at a MASH Deployed to the Former Yugoslavia in Support of the United Nations Protection Force

Abstract

From November 1992 to April 1993, the 212th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) was deployed from Germany to Zagreb, Croatia, to provide medical support for the United Nations Protection Force serving in the former Yugoslavia. A 60-bed deployable medical systems hospital was established. The usual MASH 72-hour evacuation policy was extended to 30 days; the orthopedic equipment inventory and surgical capability were increased significantly. Eighty-three orthopedic surgical procedures were performed during a 5-month period on soldiers from 14 nations. Sixty-two (75%) of these procedures were non-emergent, including internal fixation of fractures, bone and skin grafting, and arthroscopy. There were no documented early infections; the complication rate was acceptable. Orthopedic aftercare was supplemented by physical therapy and the capability of prosthetic fitting for amputees. The majority of soldiers (60%) received definitive orthopedic surgical care in theater. The feasibility of performing non-emergent orthopedic procedures in a field environment was demonstrated. Expanded medical support for other similar missions may be required in the future.