While recent advances in body armor have made great strides in decreasing the number of combat-related deaths, a consequence is a concurrent increase in complex survivor injuries. Due to the unique types of injuries sustained in the battlefield environment, often from
explosive munitions, these combat-related injuries present complications distinctive from civilian trauma. The majority of combat-related injuries are musculoskeletal, which includes soft tissue wounds and bone fractures, and emphasis is placed on extremity injury with amputation being
the most recognizable outcome. Between January 2002 and January 2010, there were over 1300 amputations resulting from injuries sustained in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Frequent outcomes and complications in amputated or salvaged limbs include infection, compartment
syndrome, non-union, heterotopic ossification, and temporary or permanent muscle function loss, among others.
The Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Orthopaedic Research Program (PRORP) was established by Congress in fiscal year 2009 (FY09) to support military-relevant, peer-reviewed
orthopaedic research. Via Public Laws 110-329 and 111-32, Congress provided $61 million (M) and $51M, respectively, to the FY09 PRORP for a total appropriation of $112M for execution by the US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command. Congress has appropriated $22.5M for the PRORP in FY10.
Congressional Appropriations
- $158.5 million in FY09-11
- $30 million in FY12
Funding Summary
- 98 Awards in FY09-10
- Previous Applications Recommended for Funding
Integration Panels
