Comprehensive rehabilitation of a serviceman with triple limb amputation following combat polytrauma: a case study from Ukraine’s wartime context

The ongoing war in Ukraine has led to a significant rise in combat-related polytrauma injuries, including high-level multiple amputations, delayed evacuations, infectious complications, and limited access to rehabilitation services. This clinical case demonstrates a comprehensive, patient-centred approach to the rehabilitation of a 25-year-old serviceman with triple amputations caused by a mine-blast injury. The patient progressed through pre-prosthetic and prosthetic rehabilitation stages, achieved independent mobility with prosthetics, transitioned to the K3 functional level, and adapted to his independent life. The success of this case underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, modern technologies, and adherence to evidence-based rehabilitation practices. The leading role of the physical and rehabilitation medicine physician was pivotal in coordinating and adjusting the rehabilitation process, ensuring the optimal use of available resources, and aligning the patient's care with clinical goals. Challenges such as delays in rehabilitation initiation and limited resources highlight the need to expand inpatient rehabilitation capacity and standardize protocols. A coordinated bio-psycho-social rehabilitation model must be the framework for increasing the effectiveness of rehabilitation services and optimizing functioning and quality of life after severe injuries. Implementing multidisciplinary approaches tailored to wartime settings is crucial for combatants' effective recovery and reintegration.