(P1-71) Can a Thick Snow Layer be Protective in Mine Injuries: Case Report

Abstract

Despite their low mortality rate, mine injuries have high rate of morbidity. Depending on the severity, different levels of amputation may be required for the affected extremities. A mine injury composed of an atypical condition because of thick layer of snow is described in this presentation. A 21-year-old man was taken to the emergency department because of a mine injury. He had severe pain on his right heel. He was injured in an explosion in a rural state that had 50–60 cm of snow on the ground. Vascular access was provided and cast immobilization was applied to the right foot. The patient then was carried by ambulance helicopter. Vital signs were normal. Right ankle movements were limited and painful, and there were minimal edema and hematoma on both sides of the patient's heel in physical examination. Neither motor sensorial nor vascular deficit was determined. Comminuted calcaneus fractures were observed in x-ray and in the computerized tomography. A short leg circular cast was applied during follow-up. The cast was taken off at the end of the second month, and rehabilitation began. The follow-up was complete at the end of the sixth month with complete recovery. Mine injuries are special military injuries the sometimes affect civilians. In these injuries, lower extremities often are affected and amputation may be required. This case is similar to high-falling calcaneus fractures. This may have occurred as a result of an upwards blast impact that may have been weakened because of the thickness the layer of snow. Thick layers of snow may help protect civilians from mine injuries. This potential protective affect may be useful for researchers aiming to decrease mine injuries.