Non-ejection cervical spine injuries due to +Gz in high performance aircraft

The potential for significant neck injuries exists in today's high performance fighter aircraft. The G-loads required to produce injury need not be excessive, nor is experience level necessarily protective. Eight cervical spine injury cases, due to or aggravated by +Gz in F-15 and F-16 aircrew members are reviewed. These include two compression fractures (C5/C7), three left HNP's (C5-6/C6-7), one fracture of the spinous process (C7), one interspinous ligament tear (C6-7), and one myofascial syndrome (C6). Mechanisms of injury and evaluation are discussed. Exercise conditioning may play an important role in prevention and protection. The role of screening X-rays and improving equipment remain as areas where further work needs to be done.