Extremity Injuries in Wartime
Dr. Elisha T. "Eli" Powell, Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington
Dr. Nicholas Vedder, Plastic Surgery, University of Washington
Some of the most devastating injuries sustained on a large-scale are encountered during times of war. It is during these times that the medical field is challenged to advance its capabilities in terms of returning function to injured warriors and civilians alike. Dr. Powell reports from his personal experiences during his active duty deployment during Operation Enduring Freedom, where improvised explosive devices and improved body armor have brought about a large number of extremity injuries. Dr. Nick Vedder, Professor and Chief of the Plastic Surgery service provides a review of the advancements of modern soft tissue coverage options in presence of major limb injuries. Viewers of this program will see an awe inspiring review of the ability of humans to survive major injuries and make a meaningful functional recovery from these injuries.