Anthropometric measurements and ejection injuries.
BACKGROUND
A previous study examined anthropometric variables to determine possible ejection seat risk factors. It concluded that individuals who weighed below the average body weight or who met the criteria of having a tall, thin physique as measured by body mass index (BMI = kg.m-2) were significantly more at risk for acceleration induced back injuries.


OBJECTIVE
Because of the increased number of female pilots and the potential need to modify ejection seats for lighter aviators, this retrospective analysis of Naval Safety Center data attempted to reproduce and confirm the same results with more current data, covering a 5-yr period from Jan 1989-Dec 1993.


METHODS
In this study, the same criteria were used to define back injury, including thoracic or lumbar vertebral fractures and soft tissue injuries, and the same anthropometric variables were used, including weight, height, BMI, and below average weight. Additional categories of injury were examined, including all spinal fractures alone without soft tissue back injuries, all injuries combined, and severity of injury. Sitting height and trunk height were added to the variables.


RESULTS
Out of 810 aircrew involved in mishaps, 199 ejected. Of all the ejections, 111 (56%) had some type of injury as a result of the ejection. Severe injuries occurred in 8 (4%) including 4 (2%) fatalities. Back injuries occurred in 44 (22%), and 8 (4%) involved spinal fractures. Although there were no significant risk factors for ejection back injury, weight and height were statistically significant risk factors for severe injury and spinal fracture, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Aircrew with severe injury were heavier (average weight 88 kg. vs. 79 kg.). In addition, taller aircrew (185 vs. 180 cm.) were at increased risk for any spinal fracture.
Edwards
M
M
Naval Aerospace and Operational Medical Institute, Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL, USA.
D000054:Acceleration; D000401:Aircraft; D000886:Anthropometry; D019567:Back Injuries; D001827:Body Height; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel