According to a military study, 56 percent of all fractures suffered during combat were spine related, and additional spinal injuries occurred from carrying heavy loads long distances. A 2001 study from the Army Science Board recommended soldiers not carry more than 50 pounds, yet they continue to carry up to twice that much for several miles.
Department of Defense’s Clinical Practice Guidelines don’t currently include protocol past conservative modalities, which means many veterans are denied surgical treatment. When treatment is approved, surgeons at many VA Hospitals employ traditional open procedures, which are associated with more muscle damage than the minimally invasive treatments Dr. Kaul performs.
Project Backbone offers veterans the opportunity to receive no cost consultations and no out-of-pocket expenses for surgical or pain management treatment. “These brave men and women put their lives on the line on a daily basis,” said Dr. Kaul in the report. “The lease we can do to show our gratitude is ensure that they have access to the most effective care possible.”
Learn more about Project Backbone.
Related Articles on Orthopedic Care for Veterans:
AAOS: 5 Points on Musculoskeletal Injuries for U.S. Army During Conuterinsurgency Campaigns
Dr. Michael Langworthy Uses Biomedical Expertise to Treat Military Personnel
AAOS: Research Comes Closer to Finding Heterotopic Ossification Treatment
