Non-ejection cervical spine injuries due to +Gz in high performance aircraft.
The potential for significant neck injuries exists in today's high performance fighter aircraft. The G-loads required to produce injury need not be excessive, nor is experience level necessarily protective. Eight cervical spine injury cases, due to or aggravated by +Gz in F-15 and F-16 aircrew members are reviewed. These include two compression fractures (C5/C7), three left HNP's (C5-6/C6-7), one fracture of the spinous process (C7), one interspinous ligament tear (C6-7), and one myofascial syndrome (C6). Mechanisms of injury and evaluation are discussed. Exercise conditioning may play an important role in prevention and protection. The role of screening X-rays and improving equipment remain as areas where further work needs to be done.
Schall
D G
DG
155th TAC Clinic, Nebraska Air National Guard, Lincoln.
D000328:Adult; D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006112:Gravitation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000293:injuries; D008297:Male; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011859:Radiography; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots