Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) occur in 10% of combat casualties. In the immediate field-hospital setting, an insensate limb can affect the surgeon's assessment of limb viability and in the long-term PNI remain a source of considerable morbidity. Therefore the aims of this study are to document the recovery of combat PNI, as well as report on the effect of current medical management in improving functional outcome. In this study, we present the largest series of combat related PNI in Coalition troops since World War II. From May 2007 – May 2010, 100 consecutive patients (261 nerve injuries) were prospectively reviewed in a specialist PNI clinic. The functional recovery of each PNI was determined using the MRC grading classification (good, fair and poor). In addition, the incidence of neuropathic pain, the results of nerve grafting procedures, the return of plantar sensation, and the patients' current military occupational grading was recorded. At mean follow up 26.7 months, 175(65%) of nerve injuries had a good recovery, 57(21%) had a fair recovery and 39(14%) had a poor functional recovery. Neuropathic pain was noted in 33 patients, with Causalgia present in 5 cases. In 27(83%) patients, pain was resolved by medication, neurolysis or nerve grafting. In 35 cases, nerve repair was attempted at median 6 days from injury. Of these 62%(22) gained a good or fair recovery with 37%(13) having a poor functional result. Forty-two patients (47 limbs) initially presented with an insensate foot. At final follow up (mean 25.4 months), 89%(42 limbs) had a return of protective plantar sensation. Overall, 9 patients were able to return to full military duty (P2), with 45 deemed unfit for military service (P0 or P8). This study demonstrates that the majority of combat PNI will show some functional recovery. Adherence to the principles of war surgery to ensure that the wound is clear of infection and associated vascular and skeletal injuries are promptly treated will provide the optimal environment for nerve recovery. Although neuropathic pain affects a significant proportion of casualties, pharmacological and surgical intervention can alleviate the majority of symptoms. Finally, the presence of an insensate limb at initial surgery, should not be used as a marker of limb viability. The key to recovery of the PNI patient lies in a multi-disciplinary approach. Essential to this is regular surgical review to assess progress and to initiate prompt surgical intervention when needed. This approach allows early determination of prognosis, which is of huge value to the rehabilitating patient psychologically, and to the whole rehabilitation team

UK personnel have been deployed in Afghanistan since 2001 and over this time a wealth of experience in contemporary war surgery has been developed. Of particular note in the latter Herrick operations the injury pattern suffered by personnel is largely blast wounds, primarily from improvised explosive devices. With the development of improved body armour, previously unsurvivable blasts now result in a large number of traumatic amputations, predominantly affecting the lower limb. Faced with this, deployed medical personnel in the Role 3 facility, Camp Bastion, have developed, by a process of evolution, a standard process for timely management of these injuries. We present a documented schema and photographic record of the ‘Bastion’ process of management of traumatic amputation through the resuscitation department, radiology, theatres and post-operatively. In resuscitation the priority is control of catastrophic haemorrhage with exchange of CAT tourniquets to Pneumatic tourniquets. While undergoing a CT, time can be used to complete documentation. In theatre a process of social debridement & wash then sterile prep followed by formal debridement allows rapid management of the amputated limbs. This work provides a record of current best practice that generates maximum efficiency of personnel and time developed over a large number of procedures. This allows reflection both now in relation to continuing Herrick operations and when military medical services are faced with a future conflict and an inevitable change in injury patterns