Degenerative Changes of Spine in Helicopter Pilots

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the relationship between whole body vibration (WBV) induced helicopter flights and degenerative changes of the cervical and lumbar spine.MethodsWe examined 186 helicopter pilots who were exposed to WBV and 94 military clerical workers at a military hospital. Questionnaires and interviews were completed for 164 of the 186 pilots (response rate, 88.2%) and 88 of the 94 clerical workers (response rate, 93.6%). Radiographic examinations of the cervical and the lumbar spines were performed after obtaining informed consent in both groups. Degenerative changes of the cervical and lumbar spines were determined using four radiographs per subject, and diagnosed by two independent, blinded radiologists.ResultsThere was no significant difference in general and work-related characteristics except for flight hours and frequency between helicopter pilots and clerical workers. Degenerative changes in the cervical spine were significantly more prevalent in the helicopter pilots compared with control group. In the cervical spine multivariate model, accumulated flight hours (per 100 hours) was associated with degenerative changes. And in the lumbar spine multivariate model, accumulated flight hours (per 100 hours) and age were associated with degenerative changes.ConclusionAccumulated flight hours were associated with degenerative changes of the cervical and lumbar spines in helicopter pilots.

Disc herniations in astronauts: What causes them, and what does it tell us about herniation on earth?

“…Performing high-G manoeuvres [41], pilot ejection [42], and helicopter vibration [43] present risk factors for injury to the neck. Potentially, the resulting high-compressive forces on the spine could result in end plate fractures, then leading to adjacent IVD degeneration [44].…”

Return-to-active-duty rates after anterior cervical spine surgery in military pilots

“…Accumulated flight hours in helicopter pilots have been associated with increased degenerative changes of the cervical spine. 2 Fixed wing pilots are also affected by the weighted performance gear and flight helmets but are exposed to positive gravitational (+Gx, Gy, Gz) forces that may accelerate disc degeneration. 1,2,4,8,13 A 1996 study found that 7.4% of US Army aviators were removed from flight status due to cervical and lumbar herniated discs.…”

“…2 Fixed wing pilots are also affected by the weighted performance gear and flight helmets but are exposed to positive gravitational (+Gx, Gy, Gz) forces that may accelerate disc degeneration. 1,2,4,8,13 A 1996 study found that 7.4% of US Army aviators were removed from flight status due to cervical and lumbar herniated discs. 6 While the symptoms of cervical spondylosis may not severely limit the average individual's career, they are significant for military pilots.…”

Occupational lumbar back accidents in the private sector: prevalence and factors associated with their severity and sequelae in central Tunisia

“…Elles entraînent une diminution de la distribution du flux sanguin et des perturbations du métabolisme normal du disque intervertébral responsable d'une dégénérescence discale plus rapide et rendant le disque intervertébral plus vulnérable. D'autre part, l'exposition aux vibrations corps entier est susceptible d'entraîner une fatigue des muscles lombaires (21). Le taux élevé de lombalgie dans le secteur industriel rejoint celui retrouvé dans la littérature où la plupart des auteurs s'accordent sur le fait que les travaux pénibles sont générateurs de lombalgie accidentelle (6).…”