Effects of weapon types, interventions, and transport times on complications in combat injuries to musculoskeletal system

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of weapon type, medical interventions, and transportation time on complications due to combat-related injuries of the musculoskeletal and soft tissue (ST). METHODS: A total of 108 patients treated at the emergency department (ED) over a period of 3.5 years were included in this study. The effects of weapon type, type of first intervention team, interventions at the ED, and transport time on complications were compared by retrospectively assessing patients’ recorded data. RESULTS: The average age of 108 patients with ST injuries was 24 years. 25 patients developed complications. The ratio of complications in patients with injuries from explosive weapons was 25.42% and was significantly greater (p<0.05) than the rate observed from non-explosive weapons. Regarding the transport time of patients reaching the hospital, the greatest complication rate was 30.77% in patients transported to the hospital in 2–4 h; this rate was significantly (p<0.05) greater than for those transported in other time ranges. Regarding the ED procedures, the complication rate was 37.50% and significantly higher (p<0.05) in the group that received debridement + irrigation + late primary repair. CONCLUSION: Transporting the injured to the ED within the first 2 h, treatment including irrigation and debridement, and secondary healing following explosive injuries containing contamination and dead tissue appear to be good options for reducing complications.