Comparison of a Novel Tool-less External Fixator Clamp with an Established System Regarding Handling and Stability
Introduction With a growing frequency of extreme weather events, associated natural disasters1 and military conflicts, there is an increasing incidence of fractures requiring emergency treatment in the context of ‘damage control’ using simple methods such as an external fixator. As Martinez-Rondanelli et al. point out in their 2021 manuscript on damage control in orthopaedics and… Read more »
Measuring Dental Fear and Anxiety in New Zealand Defence Force Personnel
Abstract Background: The widely-used Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) has practical and theoretical limitations. The Index of Dental Anxiety and Fear (IDAF-4C) was developed to overcome these shortcomings but requires more psychometric analysis to determine its utility. Purpose: To compare DAS and IDAF-4C validity and reliability among New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel. Material and methods:… Read more »
Acceleration-Induced atelectasis; a case with deceptive clinical manifestations for COVID-19 pneumonia
Abstract These days, the world’s healthcare systems are facing the SARS-COV-2 pandemic and its associated disease, named coronavirus or COVID-19. This virus is a new human pathogen, and although there are many innovative vaccines, there are currently no specific treatment options. In this study, we report a case with ambiguous clinical manifestation for COVID-19 pneumonia…. Read more »
Poppy Seed and Prohibited Drug Testing
R Mills Introduction This paper presents three 2019 cases of Royal Australian Navy (RAN) personnel with positive tests for urinary morphine attributable to poppy seed (PS) ingestion. All three cases occurred during a period of particularly potent culinary PS in Australia. Australia produces PS with high morphine content for medicinal purposes. Most culinary PS consumed… Read more »
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms as a Herald Sign of Metamizole-Induced Neutropenia
Abstract Metamizole is an analgesic and antipyretic drug commonly prescribed in various countries. In young adults living in overcrowded conditions, such as soldiers in training camps, upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms are common and metamizole is frequently used for treatment. This report describes a severe metamizole-induced neutropenia in a 19-year-old infantry recruit who presented… Read more »
Case Report of a Former Soldier Using TRE (Tension/Trauma Releasing Exercises) For PostTraumatic Stress Disorder Self-Care
Abstract This report outlines the use of tension/trauma releasing exercises (TRE) for invoking the body’s innate tremor mechanism in an Australian former soldier who experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following acquired brain injury after a major motor vehicle accident (MVA) in 2009. Compared to pre-intervention, improvements in physical and emotional wellbeing immediately following the intervention… Read more »
Diagnosis and management of acute promyelocytic leukemia in an active duty Air Force space operator
Abstract
A 38 year-old United States Air Force active duty male in excellent health presented to the flight medicine clinic with a two week history of shortness of breath, fatigue, and unexplained bruising. Initial laboratory analysis was significant for pancytopenia with evidence of immature cells suggestive of leukaemia. The patient was admitted to hospital for emergency workup. Bone marrow biopsy and molecular analysis confirmed the diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL). Induction therapy consisting of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) plus arsenic was promptly initiated and complete remission achieved after 35 days of treatment. Acute promyelocytic leukaemia, an extremely aggressive subtype of acute myeloid leukaemia, was considered to be one of the most deadly forms of cancer prior to the introduction of effective ATRA- based therapy in the late 1990s. Drawing parallels with the aviation environments’ crew resource management (CRM), we discuss the importance of team work and collaboration in military medical resource management (MMRM). Because the military health care infrastructure in the United States is complex and relies heavily on civilian medical services, the implementation of MMRM is important to ensure good outcomes in cases that require rapid diagnosis and treatment such as APL.
Post-exposure Prophylaxis for Hepatitis B Virus after Exposure to a Person-Borne Improvised Explosive Device
Abstract The case of a member of the Australian Defence Force exposed to a person-borne improvised explosive device is presented. Indications for post-exposure prophylaxis against blood-borne viruses in this context are discussed, with specific focus on the ‘non-response’ to prior hepatitis B vaccination of this individual. This case received post-exposure prophylaxis against hepatitis B only,… Read more »
Management of severe trauma in an austere environment with limited kit on Pacific partnership 2010 deployment
Abstract Management of trauma is a challenging process which can be made worse in the austere environment. Austere medicine is essentially the provision of medical care without access to modern investigations or technology. This case review will discuss the management of a 38 yr old female involved in a motor vehicle accident (MVA), car vs… Read more »
Case report of a patient with high flow priapism serving in the Middle East
Abstract This report outlines the management of a soldier serving in the Middle East who suffered a perineal injury while on out of theatre leave. He presented to a medical officer when he returned to theatre. Fortunately a urologist was in theatre and the patient was moved forward for review at a United States Army… Read more »
2025 AMMA Conference
