PREVALENCE OF ABNORMAL SPINAL FINDINGS IN ASYMPTOMATIC CANDIDATES FOR MILITARY PILOTS

Introduction: Spinal degenerative disease is a serious health problem in industrialized countries and is increasingly common among young adults. The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of occurrence of specifi c abnormalities in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results of the spinal column in young, asymptomatic candidates for piloting schools, taking into account their qualifi cations for training in supersonic airplanes based onmedical opinion.

Methods: The research material consisted of the results of an MRI exam of the spines of 181 people aged 19 to 20, who were declared to be incapable of training in high-maneuverabilityairplanes by the military aviation-medical commission, solely or inter alia on the basis of such tests.

Results: The following were found: 72 hernias, 44 bulgings, 66 dehydration of spinal discs, 107 Schmorl nodules, 24 angiomas and 51 spinal bends. Single hernias were more than twice as frequent as the bulgings, the frequency of multiple hernias and bulgings was similar and the frequency of multiple Schmorl nodules was more than twice as high compared to that of multiple hernias and bulgings in conjunction. Their number and location in the spine were presented.

Discussion: The study discusses the scale of the problem with regard to the data found in literature and the medical opinions – the piloting (including ethical–medical) aspect of the reported irregularities. The need to develop criteria for acceptable standards regarding changes in the MRI of the spinal column among candidates for training in high-maneuverability airplanes was indicated, taking into account not only their type, but also the degree of intensity.

Keywords: MRI, spinal degenerative disease, supersonic pilots

Full version of this article available freely at: https://pjambp.com/view/abstract/id/13023