Surgical correction of disc pathology in fighter pilots: a review of 14 cases

Disorders of the spine are common in fighter crewmembers. The high cost of training and experience for pilots makes it important to use all reasonable clinical means to restore grounded pilots to their flying duties, provided that all safety standards are maintained. To date, there has been limited research into specific surgical treatment of spine injury in pilots. This study was designed to examine the efficacy of surgical procedures in Spanish Air Force fighter pilots with injuries to the spine, as well as the aeromedical disposition of such pilots.

A retrospective study was conducted using the medical records of 14 fighter pilots with symptomatic spinal disorders treated by surgery.

The 14 pilots underwent surgery: 12 cases involved fusion of vertebral structures (arthrodesis), while 2 pilots underwent discectomy. All pilots were subsequently given waivers to resume flying duties.

The successful return to flight status of these pilots indicates the practical application of surgical techniques that safely stabilize the spine. However, due the sample limited size of the sample, further studies are needed.