Amputee soldiers and their return to active duty.

This study was undertaken to determine the percentage of soldiers who remain on active duty after undergoing a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) for an amputation. The computerized records of all amputee soldiers who were presented to one of four Army PEBs during an 8-year period (October 1980 to September 1988) were reviewed. Only 11 of 469 soldiers (2.3%, 95% CI 1.2-4.2%) remained on active duty after amputation. Of those who returned to duty, most (6 of 11) sustained partial hand amputations, three had partial foot amputations, and two were below-knee amputees. Among those returning to duty, there were no female soldiers. We conclude that continuation on active duty is a rare event after amputation. Further studies on active duty is a rare event after amputation. Further studies are necessary to define the characteristics associated with active duty service as an amputee and the impact of an amputation on performance of military duties.