VA mending more bodies

VA mending more bodies
Hospitals rehabilitating increasing number of vets with prosthetics
By Steve Huffman

Salisbury Post

Doctors at the Hefner VA Medical Center say one of the ironies of modern-day combat is that advancements in protective equipment have led to an increase in demand for prosthetics.

As more combat soldiers are outfitted with protective vests, a larger number are surviving the initial trauma of major wounds.

The chest and back injuries that once claimed so many lives have been reduced as bullets and shrapnel are repelled by vests.

But there's still little protection for arms, legs and other extremities, meaning more and more combat veterans are returning home to deal with the complexities of adjusting to life with prosthetics.