Using causal energy categories to report the distribution of injuries in an active population: An approach used by the U.S. Army

To describe the etiologic distribution of all injuries among U.S. Army Active Duty soldiers by causal energy categories. Retrospective cohort, descriptive analysis. Injury was defined as the interruption of tissue function caused by an external energy transfer (mechanical, thermal, radiant, nuclear, chemical, or electrical energy). A comprehensive injury matrix standardized categories by causal energies, body locations, and injury types. Categories differentiated acute (ACT) from cumulative micro-traumatic (CMT) overuse injuries, and musculoskeletal injuries (MSKI) from those affecting other or multiple body systems (non-MSKI). International Classification of Diseases (ICD) diagnoses codes were organized into established categories. The matrix was applied to electronic health records for U.S. Army soldiers in 2017. Mechanical energy transfers caused most injuries (97%, n = 809,914): 76% were CMT overuse and the remaining were ACT (