Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
11:56
Training Rats to Voluntarily Dive Underwater: Investigations of the Mammalian Diving Response
Published on: November 12, 2014
Dysbaric osteonecrosis in experienced dive masters and instructors
Maide Cimsit1, Savas Ilgezdi, Cagatay Cimsit
1Department of Underwater and Hyperbaric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|December 11, 2007
Summary
Dysbaric osteonecrosis (DON) affects 25% of dive instructors, indicating a high prevalence despite training. Age is linked to DON development, suggesting occupational screening for dive masters and instructors is necessary.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Diving Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Dysbaric osteonecrosis (DON) is aseptic bone necrosis affecting long bones.
- It occurs in individuals working in high-pressure environments, such as divers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of DON in dive masters and instructors.
- To identify risk factors associated with DON development in this population.
Main Methods:
- 58 volunteer dive masters/instructors with at least 500 dives were evaluated.
- Radiological assessment included eight X-rays per patient, with MRI for suspicious lesions.
- Exclusion criteria included industrial/commercial diving and prior osteonecrosis diagnosis.
Main Results:
- DON lesions were detected in 14 out of 56 (25%) divers.
- Age was the only statistically significant factor associated with DON development (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- The 25% DON prevalence is high, even with training and adherence to decompression rules.
- Frequent and deep dives may contribute to DON.
- Findings suggest reclassifying dive masters/instructors as occupational divers requiring periodic screening for DON.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Flail Chest-I
Overview of Flail Chest
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
01:26Pneumothorax-I
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
01:27Pneumothorax-II
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
01:27Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
01:27Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...
01:10PPE Use in Healthcare Settings II: Doffing
The sequence of removing or doffing PPE starts with the gloves, as they are the most contaminated. Next is removal of the face shield or goggles, as they would interfere with removing other PPE. Then remove the gown, followed by the mask or respirator. Perform hand hygiene between steps if hands become contaminated and immediately after removing all PPE. Generally, the outside front and sleeves of the isolation gown, the goggles or the mask, the respirator, and the face shield are contaminated.