[Arthrotic manifestations secondary to repeated microtrauma in helicopter personnel]

Following aetiopathogenetic and anatomopathological examination of arthrosis, chronic microtraumatism, often below the threshold of subjective perception, is indicated as a component, aggravating factor in the disease. During flight, especially if the aircraft is a helicopter, these microtraumas (triggered by the varied motions of the craft and its vibrations) operate continually on joints and muscles and so, along with other factors of anatomical and biochemical nature, cause an aggravation to arthrosis in flying personnel, particularly in the vertebral tract.