A case of incidentally detected spina bifida at DV1 level in a fighter pilot: Aeromedical deliberations
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: A failure of closure neural tube normally results in spina bifida. The lesions may occur anywhere along the spine but are more common in the lumbosacral region (90%) in comparison to the thoracic (6%) or cervical (3%) spines. According to policy guidelines, all cases of spina bifida are unfit for all branches and trades in military flying, except for spina bifida in the sacrum and 5th lumbar vertebra, if completely sacralized. When various congenital defects are considered, spina bifida at the SV1 level is relatively innocuous. However, an anomaly in the upper spinal regions is associated with the narrowing of the spinal canal, which may be accompanied by herniation of meninges. This could be exacerbated and lead to abrupt incapacitation during flight when a spine like this is subjected to high +Gz accelerations or ejection forces. This paper highlights a case of a fighter aircrew who was incidentally detected to have spina bifida at 1st dorsal vertebra level during evaluation for cervical prolapsed intervertebral disc and the aeromedical deliberations for its disposal.
Authors: Neha Arun Rao, Nandishwar Rathore, K Suryakiran, M Binu Sekhar, Gaurab Ghosh
Institution: Indian Air Force
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Neurology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4404701331