Prevalence of Upper Extremity Injuries in Military Personnel and the Assessment of Disability Conditions according to Military Regulations

Abstract

Objective: Musculoskeletal injuries have an essential place among the injuries of military personnel. Depending on the severity of these injuries and the degree of functional loss, return to work is delayed, and sequela leads to job loss and disability as well. This study has aimed to assess the distributions of current injuries and make recommendations to reduce these injuries and evaluate the conditions causing disability. Material and Method: Upper limb injury distribution and disability status of injured contracted soldiers/NCOs, who applied to a tertiary trauma center between January 2019 and January 2020, were evaluated according to Turkish Armed Forces Health Ability Regulation No. 6405. Results: The number of patients included in the study was 31. Their mean age was 21.45. A significant relationship was found when the relationship between injured areas and disability occurrence was evaluated (p=0.036). In this relationship, it was observed that the possibility of especially hand (excluding finger), forearm, and upper arm injuries to cause disability was high and that although the number of finger injuries was high, their possibility to cause disability was at 60%. There was no significant difference between combat and noncombat occupational accidents in terms of the injured areas (p=0.305). Conclusion: Although injuries in military personnel require long rest periods and finger loss poses a major obstacle to serving, there are loss of rights due to the limited disability conditions and insufficient details of the regulations. It is recommended that military guidelines be made more functional, reviewed by a board that includes a hand surgeon, increased training, and the development of double-stage security systems and protective equipment