HINDFOOT TRAUMA SECONDARY TO MINEBLAST. A CASE SERIES OF LATE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE HINDFOOT AFTER INJURIES SUSTAINED IN CONFLICT ZONES OF THE MIDDLE EAST

Abstract

Changes in armour reinforcement of military vehicles have resulted in a changed injury pattern. Injuries which would previously have resulted in amputation are now less severe, and after initial debridement and temporary fixation the foot can now be saved. New patterns of injuries are emerging often as a part of potentially survivable poly-trauma. We describe a small series of these injuries. The techniques and results of late reconstruction are presented. We also discuss specific problems of managing patients with potential contamination with unusual organisms.