Injuries and Complications Associated with Anti-Personnel Land Mines

 

Physical injuries:

(1) mangling of the lower (or upper) extremity, typically requiring amputation of the foot and lower leg

(2) secondary to blast injury or penetrating missiles (shrapnel, stone, wood, even bone)

(2a) genitals

(2b) upper limbs and opposite leg

(2c) pelvis and abdomen

(2d) chest

(2e) face

 

Complications:

(1) hemorrhage with risk of exsanguination

(2) contaminated wounds with infection

(3) psychological terror, with risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

(4) tetanus

(5) regional economic devastation

(6) stump problems (pain, skin changes, etc)

(7) individual work disability