title: Aeromedical Evaluation for an F-16 Candidate with Incomplete Paraplegia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A candidate with paraplegia contacted the Institute of Aviation Medicine, Oslo, requesting a medical examination and medical certification for flying back seat on an F-16 Fighting Falcon. Thorough aeromedical examinations, including specialist evaluations, were initiated for the final decision to be made.
  
  
  METHODS
  Almost 13 yr earlier the candidate had acquired spinal cord damage at neurological level L1 after falling 4 m (13 ft) from out of a window. The CT scans showed luxation of the 12ththoracic vertebra with fracture and dislocation of the 1stlumbar vertebra. He went for surgery, where fixation of the 12ththoracic vertebra to the 1stlumbar vertebra was performed. He developed syringomyelia 1 yr postoperatively and was re-operated on twice in the following years. He was now in a wheelchair, but engaged himself in several sport activities such as sledge-hockey and sit-skiing, participating in several Paralympics.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  With respect to the general principles of aviation medicine, several considerations had to be taken into account before a medical certification could be given. The risks associated with an F-16 flight in relationship to the candidate's general health and the fixation of his spinal cord had to be evaluated. Also, his ability to perform required tasks during the flight and in case of an emergency was an important issue discussed. Finally, the candidate's medical and physical condition should not present a considerable risk to flight safety. After extensive specialist consultations and in-depth discussions, the candidate was given medical certification to fly back seat in a F-16. Chahal-Kummen M, Strand T-E, Owe JO, Gulliksen E, Wagstaff AS. Aeromedical evaluation for an F-16 candidate with incomplete paraplegia. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(11):968-971.
authors: Institute of Aviation Medicine, Norwegian Armed Forces Medical Service, Oslo, Norway.
authors: Monica
authors: M
authors: Chahal-Kummen
authors: Trond-Eirik
authors: TE
authors: Strand
authors: Jan Ove
authors: JO
authors: Owe
authors: Eigil
authors: E
authors: Gulliksen
authors: Anthony S
authors: AS
authors: Wagstaff
mesh_terms: D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D002568:Certification; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D013595:Syringomyelia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed