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Stapedectomy in military aircrew
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, USA.
Summary
Military aircrew can return to flight duty after stapedectomy. This study found no hearing loss or vestibular issues in 16 airmen who underwent aeromedical testing post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Aerospace Medicine
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Stapedectomy is often career-ending for military aircrew.
- Complications like fistulae and prosthesis issues are concerns.
- Aeromedical risks (barotrauma, G-forces) are cited for grounding post-stapedectomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the aeromedical outcomes of U.S. Air Force aircrew after stapedectomy.
- To determine if airmen can safely return to flight status following the procedure.
- To challenge the restrictive policies regarding post-stapedectomy aircrew.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 16 U.S. Air Force aircrew members who returned to flight duty after stapedectomy (1965-1992).
- Selected patients underwent centrifuge and altitude chamber testing prior to return to flight status.
- Monitoring for hearing loss and vestibulopathic conditions.
Main Results:
- No episodes of sudden hearing loss were reported in the study group.
- No vestibulopathic conditions occurred in the aircrew who returned to flight duty.
- All 16 participants successfully returned to flight status.
Conclusions:
- Stapedectomy may not necessitate the end of an aviation career for all military aircrew.
- Rigorous aeromedical testing can identify suitable candidates for return to flight status.
- Proposed guidelines for surgical technique, materials, and testing are crucial for evaluating these patients.