Aerospace medicine and human performance最新文献

{"title":"Space Medicine Association 75th Anniversary.","authors":"Mark R Campbell","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6908.2026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3357/AMHP.6908.2026","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 6","pages":"468-469"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148148047","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Post-COVID-19 Leucine-Rich Glioma Inactivated 1 Autoimmune Limbic Encephalitis in an Aviator.","authors":"Marcus Gar Ping Wong","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6824.2026","DOIUrl":"10.3357/AMHP.6824.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Autoimmune limbic encephalitis is a rare condition. Autoimmune limbic encephalitis after COVID-19 infection is rarer. To date, a handful of cases in nonaviation settings have been reported and their serology were negative for antiprotein leucine-rich glioma inactivated 1 antibody (LGI-1), save two case reports. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case in aviation environment where positive anti-LGI-1 antibody was detected in serum post-COVID-19 infection.</p><p><strong>Case report: </strong>53-yr-old male commercial pilot presented with confabulations and faciobrachial dystonic seizures 6 mo after contracting COVID-19. He had lately failed his scheduled flight simulator check, despite prior uncheckered flying history and proficiency checks. His serum showed mild hyponatremia and was positive for anti-LGI-1 antibody. T2 MRI demonstrated intensity in his temporal lobes. The pilot was treated with high-dose intravenous and oral steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, plasma exchange, and rituximab. He did not improve and remained grounded from flying duties.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>LGI-1 autoimmune limbic encephalitis is characterized by clinical manifestation of faciobrachial dystonic seizures and cognitive impairment, commonly affecting short-term memory or amnesia. Laboratory findings such as hyponatraemia and T2 MRI hyperintensity in the temporal lobes should assist in forming a provisional diagnosis which is confirmed by positive anti-LGI-1 serology. There is no cure. Prognosis is guarded with immunotherapy treatment and relapse rates are considerable. It is associated with seizures and tumor. All these factors render the condition not meeting the 1% aeromedical certification rule, and it is incompatible with safe operation of aircraft. Wong MGP. Post-COVID-19 leucine-rich glioma inactivated 1 autoimmune limbic encephalitis in an aviator. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(6):464-467.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 6","pages":"464-467"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148147909","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transthoracic Echocardiography for Evaluation of Isolated RSR Pattern in Military Aircrew Applicants.","authors":"Wei Yun Lily Yang, Liang Jie Cheok, Keith Ching, Choong Hou Koh, Brian See, Jason Weizheng Low","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6742.2026","DOIUrl":"10.3357/AMHP.6742.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>RSR pattern in precordial electrocardiogram (ECG) leads may represent various underlying cardiac conditions. While generally benign, there is insufficient evidence precluding the need for further echocardiographic assessment. This retrospective cohort study aims to investigate the utility of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in diagnosing disqualifying cardiac conditions among Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) applicants with isolated RSR on pre-employment medical screening (PEMS).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Applicants who underwent PEMS from December 31, 2014-December 31, 2024, had isolated ECG RSR with subsequent TTE, complete medical records, and clearly documented selection outcomes were identified from RSAF PEMS data. Data pertaining to baseline demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, cardiac investigation findings, and PEMS outcomes were extracted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 102 eligible applicants, 95 accepted for all vocations and 7 disqualified from at least one vocation formed the accepted and disqualified cohorts, respectively. Overall, 18.6% (N = 19) of the cohort had abnormal TTE findings. Compared to the accepted cohort, the proportion of abnormal TTE (N = 6, 85.7% vs N = 13, 13.7%) was significantly higher in those disqualified. Regression analysis demonstrated significant correlation between abnormal TTE findings and QRS duration (OR = 1.12; CI = 1.03,1.20).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This study highlights the potential value of integrating ECG-based risk stratification with echocardiographic evaluation to balance diagnostic accuracy, resource efficiency, and mitigation of aeromedical risks. Nonetheless, TTE continues to be of value in identifying disqualifying cardiac conditions among individuals with isolated RSR during ab-initio military aviation selection in the RSAF. Yang WYL, Cheok LJ, Ching K, Koh CH, See B, Low JW. Transthoracic echocardiography for evaluation of isolated RSR pattern in military aircrew applicants. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(6):403-410.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 6","pages":"403-410"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148147986","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Differences in Cervical Muscle Activity of Pilots and Nonpilots With and Without Neck Pain.","authors":"Janine Rochelt, Nadja Saba, Denis Bron","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6774.2026","DOIUrl":"10.3357/AMHP.6774.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Neck pain is common and often persistent, especially among military pilots exposed to high physical demands during flight. These conditions may alter neuromuscular control, contributing to chronic symptoms. While surface electromyography can detect pain-related changes in muscle activity, little is known about these patterns during low-load exercises in pilots. This study identifies differences in cervical muscle activity between pilots and nonpilots with and without neck pain.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 18 military pilots and 23 control subjects were categorized into symptomatic and asymptomatic subgroups. All subjects performed one reference movement and seven standardized mobility exercises while surface electromyogram recorded the activity of the cervical muscles. Wavelet analysis was applied to assess frequency and intensity patterns.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Across the four subgroups, mean age ranged from 25.4 ± 0.9-48.7 ± 15.0 yr, mean body mass index from 24.1 ± 2.3-27.2 ± 3.4 kg · m-2, and current Visual Analog Scale scores from 0.0 ± 0.0-1.7 ± 1.8. In symptomatic nonpilots, the left trapezius muscle showed notably lower firing intensity compared to symptomatic pilots across multiple exercises. Symptomatic pilots demonstrated predominant activity in the lower frequency bands (wavelets) compared to all other subgroups during shoulder movements.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>These findings suggest that neck pain may be associated with reduced firing intensity and frequency shifts, potentially reflecting a protective adaptation. In pilots, this may help preserve function under load while minimizing further strain on cervical structures. Rochelt J, Saba N, Bron D. Differences in cervical muscle activity of pilots and nonpilots with and without neck pain. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(6):394-402.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 6","pages":"394-402"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148147874","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Postoperative Recommendations for Commercial Air Travel After Neurosurgical Intervention.","authors":"David Mampre, Connor Rupp, Jamie Wilson, James Kelbert, Gordon Riha, Marlin Richardson, Kristopher Hooten, James Lindgren, Paulo Alves, Eric Petersen, Justin D Hilliard","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6837.2026","DOIUrl":"10.3357/AMHP.6837.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Existing recommendations on return-to-flight following neurosurgery are broad, vary by organization, and have limited supporting evidence. Air travel after neurosurgery may increase the risk of medical events, raising the need for focused flight-clearance guidelines.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Attending neurosurgeons were surveyed using case-based scenarios with flight-clearance timelines and preflight imaging questions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Recommended flight-clearance times varied by procedure: tumor craniotomy, [mean (SD)] 2.4 (2.2) wk; subdural hematoma craniotomy, 3.8 (3.5) wk; uncomplicated transparanasal approach, 4.4 (3.7) wk; transparanasal approach with cerebrospinal fluid leak repair, 6.0 (4.3) wk; craniectomy with bone flap off, 2.7 (3.0) wk; and ventriculoperitoneal shunt, 2.0 (1.6) wk. Operation type influenced return-to-flight timeline recommendations. Presence of pneumocephalus was rated the most important medical clearance factor, and the proportion of neurosurgeons recommending preflight imaging studies varied between different operations: 46% for tumor craniotomy, 79% for subdural hematoma craniotomy, 43% for transparanasal approach, 46% for craniectomy, and 38% for ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Clearance depended strongly on pneumocephalus volume: >50 mL (0% of surgeons cleared immediately; mean 5.1 (4.5) wk), ∼30 mL (14% of surgeons cleared immediately; 3.6 (4.2) wk), and <10 mL (50% of surgeons cleared immediately; otherwise, 1.7 (2.1) wk). Pneumocephalus severity influenced clearance time and preflight imaging recommendations.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Compared to existing guidelines, we found distinct flight clearance timelines and varying preflight imaging recommendations for different operation types. Variability of responses highlights the need for further research as well as surgeon education on altitude physiology and aeromedical risk factors. Mampre D, Rupp C, Wilson J, Kelbert J, Riha G, Richardson M, Hooten K, Lindgren J, Alves P, Petersen E, Hilliard JD. Postoperative recommendations for commercial air travel after neurosurgical intervention. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(6):411-418.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 6","pages":"411-418"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148147960","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of Back and Neck Complaints in Military Rotary Wing Aircrew: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Nadine Cooper, Wayne Spratford, Mark Stone, Phil Newman","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6800.2026","DOIUrl":"10.3357/AMHP.6800.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Rotary-wing (helicopter) operations expose aircrew-including pilots, flight engineers, navigators, and various operators-to significant ergonomic risks, particularly affecting their lumbar and cervical spines. This strain can impair individual well-being, workforce health, and operational effectiveness.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review of five databases was performed to evaluate back and neck pain prevalence among military rotary-wing aircrew. Eligible studies included those published in English, focusing on active flying military aircrew, and providing quantitative prevalence data for back and/or neck pain. Three reviewers assessed eligibility criteria, evaluated bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute quality appraisal tool, and used Excel and SPSS analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The review included 3786 rotary-wing pilots and aircrew from 28 studies. The pooled prevalence of back pain was 64%, while neck pain was reported in 52% of subjects. High statistical heterogeneity (I2) indicated variability across studies. Variations in pain definitions, aircrew roles, and aircraft types were noted. Recall of pain complaints spanned from immediately postflight to several months later. Subgroup analysis revealed no difference in pooled prevalence scores based on pain duration or intensity, contributing to the observed heterogeneity. Contributing factors included unclear injury timeframes, inconsistent definitions, and a lack of data on rear crewmembers.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Back and neck complaints among military rotary-wing aircrew impact operational capabilities. Further research is necessary to standardize pain definitions across all aircrew roles to improve understanding. Cooper N, Spratford W, Stone M, Newman P. Prevalence of back and neck complaints in military rotary wing aircrew: a systematic review. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(6):451-463.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 6","pages":"451-463"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148147924","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"+Gz Exposure and Cervical Spine Degeneration on MRI Among Fighter Pilots: A 10-Year Follow-Up Study.","authors":"Tuomas Keskimölö, Antti Kiviaho, Jaro Karppinen, Tuomas Honkanen, Roope Sovelius, Niko Murto, Liisa Kerttula, Matti Nykter, Tuomo Leino","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6828.2026","DOIUrl":"10.3357/AMHP.6828.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Fighter pilots are exposed to high +Gz forces, helmet-mounted equipment, and extreme head positions that potentially cause cervical spine degeneration and pain. This study aimed to investigate whether individual +Gz exposure, quantified by Fatigue Index (FI), predicts cervical spine degenerative changes and neck pain over a 10-yr follow-up.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 56 Finnish Air Force fighter pilots were followed prospectively for 10 yr. +Gz exposure was recorded using flight hours and FI recordings. Cervical MRI was performed at the baseline and during the follow-up and evaluated by two radiologists. Annual health questionnaires were used to assess neck pain symptoms.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Pilots in the highest annual FI quartile had a significantly increased risk of flight-related neck pain (risk ratio 2.61) compared to others. In contrast, higher annual flight hours were not associated with flight-related neck pain. Before correction for multiple comparisons, new intervertebral disc herniations and foraminal stenosis at the C3/C4 level were also associated with higher cumulative FI levels. Flight hours were at first associated with only intervertebral disc herniations at C3/C4, but this association also lost significance after correction for multiple comparisons.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>To our knowledge, this is the first study to report harmful effects of +Gz exposure using a metric other than flight hours. Higher cumulative +Gz exposure, measured by FI, was significantly associated with flight-related neck pain. Although we observed a potential association between higher cumulative FI levels and cervical spine degeneration at C3/C4 level, this finding did not remain statistically significant after correction for multiple comparisons. Keskimölö T, Kiviaho A, Karppinen J, Honkanen T, Sovelius R, Murto N, Kerttula L, Nykter M, Leino T. +Gz exposure and cervical spine degeneration on MRI among fighter pilots: a 10-year follow-up study. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(6):419-428.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 6","pages":"419-428"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148148083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A 10-Year Review of Back Injury Amongst Republic of Singapore Air Force Fighter Aircrew.","authors":"Jonathan Jia Jing Pong, Feng Wei Soh, Brian See, Jason Weizheng Low, Aaron Qi Han Chua","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6840.2026","DOIUrl":"10.3357/AMHP.6840.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Musculoskeletal back injuries pose a substantial occupational health risk to fighter aircrew, potentially leading to prolonged or permanent flying restrictions. Besides unique operational stressors like high-G forces and life support equipment weight, general population risk factors may also be associated with such injuries in fighter aircrew.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective case-control study was conducted using data obtained from Republic of Singapore Air Force F-16 and F-15 fighter aircrew between 2014-2024. Cases were defined as aircrew diagnosed with musculoskeletal back injuries resulting in restriction from high-G or flying duties (N = 26). There was a 1:3 ratio of cases to controls (N = 78) matched by gender, age, total flying hours, and platform type. Data on operational, lifestyle, and clinical variables were extracted from the annual health screening database for both groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Aircrew with an elevated Body Mass Index of ≥25.0 had significantly increased odds while aircrew who regularly exercised ≥3 times/wk had significantly reduced odds for musculoskeletal back injuries. There were no significant associations between musculoskeletal back injuries and hyperlipidemia, hypertension, smoking, alcohol use, depression, or anxiety in the study.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Common lifestyle factors are significantly associated with operationally relevant musculoskeletal back injuries in fighter aircrew. Understanding the interplay between general risk factors for such injuries and the unique stressors experienced by fighter aircrew will help flight surgeons develop effective preventative and management strategies for back injuries in fighter aircrew. Pong JJJ, Soh FW, See B, Low JW, Chua AQH. A 10-year review of back injury amongst Republic of Singapore Air Force fighter aircrew. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(6):429-434.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 6","pages":"429-434"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148148086","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Medical Events During Centrifuge Training in the Republic of Singapore Air Force: A 10-Year Analysis.","authors":"Yi Hui To, Jia Hao Alvin Woo, Jason Weizheng Low, Brian See, Jonathan Kwong","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6829.2026","DOIUrl":"10.3357/AMHP.6829.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The Republic of Singapore Air Force uses the Human Training Centrifuge (HTC) to train aircrew in effective anti-G straining maneuvers and improve G tolerance. Training comprises computer-controlled (open-loop) profiles for trainees and dynamic flight simulation (closed-loop) profiles for trained aircrew, where simulated aerial combat maneuvers allow for pilot-controlled G onset rates. This study investigated medical incidents related to HTC usage in aviation physiology training.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective audit was conducted of 8013 HTC runs over 10 yr (2014-2023), during which 103 medical incident reports were documented. Data was collected through incident report forms and analyzed using descriptive statistics and statistical tests to compare training profile outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Musculoskeletal injuries were the most prevalent (76.70%), with back pain being the predominant condition within this category (41.77%). Other conditions included cardiovascular (13.59%) and ophthalmological (3.88%) events. There were 3 medical incidents out of 955 (0.314%) closed-loop profiles, compared to 100 in 7058 (1.42%) open-loop profiles. Among reported incidents, 35 aircrew (33.98%) had significantly related past medical history. Post-incident, 73 aircrew (70.87%) completed centrifuge training eventually and returned to flying.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>HTC training demonstrates a favorable safety profile with low complication rates, and most affected aircrew completed their training requirements successfully. The yearly reported incidents of medical events post-HTC have shown a general downward trend. Compared with open-loop training profiles, closed-loop training provides dual benefits of providing realistic scenarios while allowing aircrew to control G exposure parameters, resulting in significantly lower medical complications while achieving training objectives. To YH, Woo JHA, Low JW, See B, Kwong J. Medical events during centrifuge training in the Republic of Singapore Air Force: a 10-year analysis. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(5):308-315.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 5","pages":"308-315"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147759609","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Management of Thoracolumbar Spinal Fracture Caused by an Aircraft Accident.","authors":"Ferhat Harman, Yahya Guvenc, Can Kivrak, Efecan Cekic, Sedat Dalbayrak, Evren Aydogmus, Emre Korkmaz, Ender Sarioglu","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6473.2026","DOIUrl":"10.3357/AMHP.6473.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Aircraft crashes are infrequent but often associated with high mortality, morbidity, and only a limited number of survivors. These events are classified as high-energy traumas as aircraft typically maintain significant vertical and horizontal speeds at impact. The forces generated can produce a wide range of injuries, from soft tissue damage to fractures, with particular concern for neurological injury. Due to the low number of survivors, few studies in the literature specifically address spinal injury patterns.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We retrospectively evaluated thoracolumbar spinal injuries sustained in the aircraft accident that occurred in Istanbul on February 5, 2020. A total of 22 patients with thoracolumbar fractures were transferred to 4 different healthcare centers. Data were analyzed for age, sex, fracture level and morphology, neurological status, treatment methods, and radiological imaging findings.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were 47 spinal injuries identified in 22 patients. Multiple-level fractures were observed in 12 patients. Four had neurological deficits (all American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale-D). According to the Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score system, seven injuries in six patients were unstable and required surgery. Posterior decompression and stabilization were performed in six patients and vertebroplasty in one. Of the remaining patients, 10 were treated with a brace, and 5 were managed conservatively with pain palliation and supportive care.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Understanding and analyzing the data from this accident is essential for improving passenger and crew safety and may contribute to preventing morbidity and mortality in future aircraft crashes with changes and adjustments to seat and seatbelt design. Harman F, Guvenc Y, Kivrak C, Cekic E, Dalbayrak S, Aydogmus E, Korkmaz E, Sarioglu E. Management of thoracolumbar spinal fracture caused by an aircraft accident. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(5):333-336.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 5","pages":"333-336"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147759597","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}