Thiringer J K, Arriaga M A
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, USA.
Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1998 Jan;118(1):9-14. doi: 10.1016/S0194-5998(98)70368-7.
Stapedectomy in military aircrew is generally considered to be the end of an aviation career. Perilymphatic fistulae, prosthesis dislodgement, and perforation of the vestibule are recognized complications of stapedectomy. Consequently, barotrauma, G forces, and otherwise hostile conditions and their effects on the poststapedectomy ear are usually cited as reasons for grounding. Data supporting such a restrictive policy, however, are limited. This study examined the aeromedical outcome of 16 U.S. Air Force aircrew members who returned to flight duty after stapedectomy between 1965 and 1992. Selected patients were subjected to centrifuge and altitude chamber testing before they returned to flight duty. No episodes of sudden hearing loss or vestibulopathic conditions have occurred in the entire study group. Guidelines for surgical technique, reconstruction materials, and postoperative aeromedical testing are proposed for evaluating selected stapedectomy patients before their return to flight status.
镫骨切除术对于军事飞行人员而言，通常被视为飞行生涯的终结。外淋巴瘘、人工听骨移位以及前庭穿孔是公认的镫骨切除术并发症。因此，气压伤、重力加速度以及其他恶劣条件及其对镫骨切除术后耳朵的影响，通常被视作停飞的原因。然而，支持这种严格政策的数据有限。本研究调查了1965年至1992年间16名美国空军飞行人员在接受镫骨切除术后重返飞行岗位的航空医学结果。选定的患者在重返飞行岗位前接受了离心机和高空舱测试。整个研究组未发生突发性听力损失或前庭疾病发作。针对选定的镫骨切除术患者在恢复飞行状态前进行评估，提出了手术技术、重建材料和术后航空医学测试的指导原则。
