Extremity war injuries XI: Maintaining force readiness during an era of military transition

The symposium Extremity War Injuries XI focused on issues related to the transitions in medical care that are occurring as the focus of the war on terror changes. Titled "Maintaining Force Readiness During an Era of Military Transition," this year's symposium highlighted the results of Department of Defense-funded research in musculoskeletal injury, the evolution of combat casualty care, and the readiness of the fighting force. The issues highlighted related to the force readiness of both troops and their medical support as well as the maintenance of the combat care expertise that has been developed during the last decade of conflict. As always, participants in breakout sessions addressed the research gaps in the topics discussed.