[Nonsymptomatic changes in magnetic resonansce imaging of spine among airforce candidates]

Problems of low back and neck pain are were important for persons, who decided to participate in sport or to educate and work in jobs requiring high accelerations and loads. The aim of the study was evaluate a structure the whole spine on magnetic resonansce imaging among airforce candidates.

MRI of 98 young, healthy persons, with no abnormalities in structure and function of musclosceletal system, were analysed.

Analysed material revealed dehydratation of intervertebral discs L4-L5 and L5-S1 among 23 persons (23.5%). In this group 21 persons (22%) had protrusions, while Schmorl nodules were present among 14 (14.7%) persons. Only one persons had protrusion in cervical spine. Candidates who had changes in MRI were excluded from futher qualifying selection. An exeption was Schmorl nodules in thoracal spine due to good stabilisation of this part of spine gained by rips.

(1) Intervertebral disc degeneration without clinical symptoms were found among 23% examined persons and starts in second decade of life. (2) Aboved mentioned changes are a serius problem for airforce candidates. (3) Airforce candidates, who have degenerative changes in lumbar and cervical spine on MRI findings should not be exepted to futher qualifying selection.