Since 2001, the Department of Defense has cared for over 63,000 beneficiaries with some level of limb loss, including over 1,700 service members with deployment-related amputations. Of that number, over 400 service members have returned to duty thanks to advancements in military research and a holistic approach to patient care.
The Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence continues to facilitate the most advanced care for amputation in the United States. The establishment of three DOD Advanced Rehabilitation Centersgoes to Walter Reed website allows for eligible DOD and Department of Veterans Affairs beneficiaries to receive state-of-the-art treatment and care. These are teams of multidisciplinary providers dedicated to achieving a meaningful quality of life for their patients following amputation or limb dysfunction.
Advanced Rehabilitation Centers
DOD is home to three Advanced Rehabilitation Centers that cares for military beneficiaries of all ages and addresses the complex needs of individuals with severe limb disfunction, including amputation. At the centers, professionals work with beneficiaries and their health care teams to develop optimal care plans.
The core specialties for the transdisciplinary care are:
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation
- Physical, occupational, and recreational therapy
- Orthotics and prosthetics
- Behavioral health
This core team works with other essential providers, to include:
- Surgery (orthopedics, plastic, and urology)
- Nursing
- Pain management
- Dermatology
- Cardiology
- Internal medicine
- Primary care
- Spiritual support
- Nutrition care
- Case management
- Assistive technology
- Biomedical engineering
Intrepid Battlefield Exoskeleton
The Intrepid Battlefield Exoskeleton, called IBEX, is an assistive device designed to stabilize an open tibia fracture and enables independent mobility on the battlefield. The IBEX is lightweight and unfolds out of a rucksack. It fits 95% of service members and will free team members from litter carry duties during mass casualty events.
The IBEX was one of four medical technologies tested and one of two evacuation systems tested during the U.S. Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment held February 2024 at Fort Moore, Georgia. Surveys taken by service members who wore the IBEX showed that the device was considered useful for a combat arms unit.
More information and demonstrations of the IBEX will take place at the 2024 Military Health System Research Symposium.