Objectives: In this retrospective study, antipersonnel mine casualties in Southern Croatia from 1991 to 1995 are analyzed and treatment options are discussed.
Methods: Mechanism, degree of injury according to Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) and Injury Severity Score (ISS), as well as surgical treatment were analyzed.
Results: Of a 2,693 war trauma population, 422 (15.67%) patients sustained antipersonnel mine injuries, 241 (57.11%) from pressure mines and 181 (42.89%) from fragmentation mines. Military personnel were injured in 329 cases, civilians in 60 cases, and children in 33 cases. AIS was 3.01 +/- 0.56 and ISS was 17.92 +/- 6.59. Of 39 fatalities (9.24%) with a mean age of 27.98 +/- 1.70 years, 34 were soldiers, 4 were civilians, and 1 was a child. AIS was 5.35 +/- 0.39 and ISS was 54.94 +/- 2.36.
Conclusion: Fatalities and morbidity arising from antipersonnel mines can be reduced by the provision of appropriate surgical and evacuation facilities at the actual battlefield.