Polytrauma with sexual dysfunction in a female soldier following ied blast exposure

Abstract

Women represent a significant proportion of the military forces and female veterans of the OIF/OEF conflicts have extensive combat experiences. Exposure to combat and improvised explosive devices during the recent conflicts has led to a frequent pattern of polytraumatic injuries, both somatic and psychological. Factors relevant to women living with these injuries are reviewed and comparisons with men sustaining similar injuries are made. We refer to the literature to discuss each of these aspects. We discuss a case exemplifying these topics from initial consultation through management techniques used during the initial stages of rehabilitation. The case is formulated using the Biocognitive Model and its implications for treatment are discussed. We provide clinical pearls and pitfalls that relate to the unique challenges and management of women facing rehabilitation from war wounds.