Cervical intervertebral disc protrusion in an RAAF F-111C pilot: a case report.
This case report describes a serious cervical spine injury occurring in an F-111 pilot of the RAAF. The pilot developed a significant cervical intervertebral disc protrusion with severe, progressive neurological signs and symptoms in his right arm for a period of 4 mo. Multiple investigations including MRI and myelography established the site of the lesion as C6/7. He eventually responded to bed rest and made a complete recovery. The aeromedical disposition of this aviator and the roles of different treatment modalities in the aviation environment are discussed. The need for more research into +Gz-related neck injuries and the requirement for preventive strategies to protect the cervical spines of high performance pilots are also highlighted.
RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales, Australia.
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DG
Newman
D000328:Adult; D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D001315:Australia; D001510:Bed Rest; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D018471:Hypergravity / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D009192:Myelography