Diagnoses and mechanisms of musculoskeletal injuries in an infantry brigade combat team deployed to Afghanistan evaluated by the brigade physical therapist.
Mil Med, 2011/8;176(8):903-8.
Roy TC[1]
Affiliations
PMID: 21882780
Impact factor: 1.563
Abstract
unlabelled: Musculoskeletal injuries are the most common cause for disability in deployed environments. Current research is limited to body region affected by the injury.
objective: To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal diagnoses and mechanisms of injury (MOI) as well as associations to specific Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) in a deployed Brigade Combat Team (BCT).
methods: Data collected on 3,066 patient encounters by the Brigade Combat Team physical therapist over 15 months were analyzed using descriptive statistics and X2 tests.
results: Mechanical low back pain was the most common diagnosis (19%), whereas overuse was the most prevalent MOI (22%). The Infantry MOS was significantly associated with meniscal tears and pre-existing injuries, the Maintenance MOS with contusions, Signal and Transportation MOSs with weight lifting injuries, and the Administrative MOS with running injuries.
conclusion: Different MOSs are preferentially susceptible to different diagnoses and MOIs. Therefore, different injury prevention strategies may be needed across occupations.
MeSH terms
Afghan Campaign 2001-; Ankle Injuries; Fasciitis, Plantar; Humans; Knee Injuries; Lumbar Vertebrae; Military Personnel; Musculoskeletal System; Physical Therapy Specialty; Shoulder Injuries; Spinal Injuries; Sprains and Strains
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