[The characteristics of the spinal trauma in catapulted pilots]

The article discusses the peculiarities of spinal fractures in catapulted pilots: mechanism of fracture--indirect axial load in combination with front or front-lateral bending; morphological picture--wedge-shaped compression fracture of vertebral body; type of fracture--stable; clinic peculiarities--scanty clinic picture as a rule; localization--mid-thorax section and thoracolumbar zone; number of vertebrae affected--1 as a rule. Diagnostic and treatment recommendations are enclosed. The author also deals with a phenomenon which accompanies the emergency abandon of an aircraft--microlesion of spongy osseous tissue of vertebrae without fracture signs under the influence of shock overload, which later can be the reason of degenerative and dystrophic diseases of spine. Preventive and medical measures are described which assure an adequate rehabilitation of functional state of spine.