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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in the Ovine Model

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in the Ovine Model

Published on: October 5, 2009

Cervical Disc Displacement in Military Pilots.

Patrick J Tansey¹, Cory F Janney^1,2, Daniel C Jupiter^1,3

¹Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0165, USA.

Military Medicine

|February 9, 2024

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Helicopter pilots face a higher risk of cervical disc displacement (CDD) than fixed-wing pilots. This career-threatening condition requires increased awareness and preventive measures for aviation personnel.

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Published on: September 16, 2022

Area of Science:

Aviation medicine
Epidemiology
Spine health

Background:

Cervical disc displacement (CDD) can lead to pilot disqualification and impact military readiness.
Understanding CDD incidence and risk factors in aviation is crucial for maintaining flight crew capability.

Purpose of the Study:

To determine the incidence of symptomatic cervical disc displacement (CDD) in U.S. military pilots.
To identify demographic predictors of CDD in fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and ground-based personnel.

Main Methods:

Retrospective review of the Defense Military Epidemiology Database (2007-2015).
Analysis of ICD-9 code 722.0 for first-occurrence CDD cases.
Calculation of incidence rates per 1,000 person-years, standardized for age, gender, and rank.

Main Results:

934 new CDD cases were identified among U.S. military pilots.
Overall CDD incidence was 2.715 per 1,000 person-years.
Helicopter pilots showed a significantly higher incidence (3.79 per 1,000 person-years) compared to fixed-wing pilots, even after standardization. Increasing age was a risk factor for CDD in officers.

Conclusions:

U.S. military helicopter pilots have an elevated risk of CDD compared to fixed-wing pilots and non-pilot controls.
CDD is a rare but potentially career-ending condition.
Enhanced education, awareness, and investigation into preventive strategies are recommended for pilots and flight physicians.