Upper extremity splinting: Nerve injuries in the war casualty

Abstract

Abstract: The Global War on Terrorism has generated an increased incidence of upper extremity nerve injuries in American service men and women compared with previous wars. The body armor and Kevlar helmets that soldiers wear during battle protect their core, but do little to protect the extremities. Soldiers suffering gunshot wounds to the upper extremity frequently endure nerve trauma as well. In addition, rocket-propelled grenades, mortar rounds, and other weaponry cause trauma to the extremities that, although not life-threatening, can be devastating to the extremities. Frequently, the nerve trauma is induced by humerus fractures. In the past two years, there have been at least 25 patients seen at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Womack Army Medical Center occupational therapy clinics for upper extremity nerve trauma. This presentation is designed to discuss war injuries to the upper extremity and demonstrate various splinting methods for traumatic radial nerve palsy and radial/median nerve combined palsy. Abstract: The Global War on Terrorism has generated an increased incidence of upper extremity nerve injuries in American service men and women compared with previous wars. The body armor and Kevlar helmets that soldiers wear during battle protect their core, but do little to protect the extremities. Soldiers suffering gunshot wounds to the upper extremity frequently endure nerve trauma as well. In addition, rocket-propelled grenades, mortar rounds, and other weaponry cause trauma to the extremities that, although not life-threatening, can be devastating to the extremities. Frequently, the nerve trauma is induced by humerus fractures. In the past two years, there have been at least 25 patients seen at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Womack Army Medical Center occupational therapy clinics for upper extremity nerve trauma. This presentation is designed to discuss war injuries to the upper extremity and demonstrate various splinting methods for traumatic radial nerve palsy and radial/median nerve combined palsy.