This Memorial Day, with all that is taking place in the world, it was hard not to think about the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to preserve our freedom. They are away from their families, sometimes for years at a time, and they operate in the most dangerous places in the world. A safe return is not guaranteed. I am thankful for these intrepid men and women whose sacrifices and commitment to their country allow me to live comfortably at home with my family and practice orthopedic surgery.
A few years ago, my wife and I traveled to Normandy and visited the American cemetery. It was a moving experience that I will never forget. We then toured Pointe du Hoc, the elevated peninsula separating Omaha and Utah beach and the location of German gun emplacements covering both beaches. The bunkers, and even the craters from the bombs, are still there. Army Rangers were tasked with launching an amphibious assault on the beach and then scaling the 100-foot cliffs using grappling hooks, ropes, and ladders. Once at the top, they faced a heavily fortified German force that was dug in. Looking down at the beach and out over the ocean from above, I thought of the troops who landed there and the impossible task they faced. Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against them, the Rangers took Pointe du Hoc in 25 minutes and then repelled multiple counterattacks with their backs against the cliff. In my opinion, it’s one of the greatest testaments to the incredible determination and ability of our military personnel.
Speaking of incredible ability, AJO would like to recognize our military orthopedists. They are often deployed in combat zones and provide the best of care for our soldiers while working in the most stressful of conditions, and doing it all on a government salary. In their spare time, they’ve contributed so much to the orthopedic literature, authoring numerous landmark articles.
In this issue, AJO looks at classic military injuries: shoulder instability, stress fractures, and multi-ligamentous knee injuries. Provencher and colleagues authored a comprehensive review of instability with current guidelines for determining surgical approach. DeBerardino shows our readers how to take a military approach to multi-ligament and complex knee injuries, and Owens and colleagues provide a guide to the diagnosis and treatment of stress injuries to bone.
We also take a moment to recognize 3 members of our military orthopedic family whose lives were tragically cut short. Warren R. Kadrmas, Brian Allgood, and Benjamin Whetstone Schmidt’s memorials are included on the following pages. Benjamin Whetstone Schmidt, son of orthopedist David R. Schmidt from San Antonio, was a Marine Sniper killed in action in Afghanistan after volunteering for a second tour. After his death, the LCpl Benjamin Whetstone Schmidt Endowed Professorship in History was created at the Texas Christian University. Contributions can be made in his memory at www.heartofpurple.com.
As Independence Day is celebrated, AJO is pleased to present “Military Orthopedics” to honor our troops and the military doctors who support them. As you read this issue, take a moment to reflect on the freedoms you enjoy because America is truly the Home of the Brave.
Am J Orthop. 2017;46(4):166. Copyright Frontline Medical Communications Inc. 2017. All rights reserved.