Relative to previous wars, the current war in Israel, Operation Iron Swords, has seen a disproportionate increase in incidents of amputation. At least 50 people have had limbs amputated since the start of the war among both civilian and military populations.
In response to these drastic numbers, the ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran rehabilitation village hosted Israel’s first international workshop on the topic of amputee rehabilitation in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the Lewis Institution, and Mr. Sam Waldman of the Next Step association. Workshop participants included physiotherapists from central and southern Israel, including representatives from Barzilai, Soroka and Herzfeld medical centers.
Dr. Anat Kristal, a physiotherapist and researcher from the University of Miami specializing in rehabilitation of amputees, expounded on the latest innovations in the application of functional testing of amputees and how test results translate into treatment and exercise leading to improved functioning for people who have undergone amputation.
Dr. Itzhak Siev-Ner, director of the Harvey and Gloria Kaylie Rehabilitation Medical Center at ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran commented that, “as the largest rehabilitation center in the Negev, we identified an immediate need to share existing information that can make rehabilitation treatment better and more beneficial. Such cooperative efforts help prepare to receive war wounded and assist them in making their way through the rehabilitation process in the most efficient way. We are prepared with the most advanced treatment methods available to treat difficult instances of rehabilitation stemming from various degrees of injury.”
“During these difficult times, when the State of Israel is involved in intense battle, this workshop sends a significant message to all citizens of Israel, particularly residents of the south,” added Avi Wortzman, CEO of the ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran rehabilitation village. “Quality medical services are a moral obligation. We recently opened a new ward which enables us to accept many more wounded in need of rehabilitation. Our medical teams are prepared with the newest technologies available, and together with our dedicated staff, they provide all-inclusive, professional rehabilitation.”
Following the successful workshop at ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, the first in a series of future international training sessions in the field of amputation, subsequent workshops will be held in several other Israeli hospitals which provide amputee rehabilitation.
