Period prevalence of acute neck injury in U.S. Air Force pilots exposed to high G forces.

Neck injury is an unquantified clinical and epidemiological problem in pilots exposed to high G forces. The description and assessment of potential deleterious effects on the cervical vertebrae are important aspects of occupational preventive aerospace medicine. This report presents the findings from a prevalence study of acute neck injury, resulting from high G forces, in pilots of high performance aircraft. A sample of 437 pilots from three different aircraft with varying performance capabilities was surveyed by means of an anonymous questionnaire. Stratified sample data were analyzed to determine the strength of association of injury prevalence with pilot age, type of aircraft, and type of flying environment. Of the surveyed pilots, 50.6% stated they had some type of acute neck injury in the preceding 3-month period. Higher aircraft performance was associated with increased injury prevalence. Increased age was associated with increased prevalence of major injury. Preventive strategies may be helpful in reducing injury frequency and avoiding serious injuries.