Krzysztof R. Radziszewski, Jan W. Talar

Krzysztof R. Radziszewski, Jan W. Talar – Assessing the risk of vertebrobasilar insuficiency in pilots with degenerative diseases of the cervical spine. Fizjoterapia Polska 2002; 2(1); 29-34

Abstract
Background. It is generally known that is a connection between degenerative changes in the cervical spine and disorders of vertebrobasilar circulation. In the profession of aircraft pilot, the efficiency of the vertebrobasilar system is of particular importance. The goal of our study was to evaluate the risk of vertebrobasilar insufficiency in pilots with degenerative diseases of the cervical spine. Material and methods. Our research involved 81 patients with degenerative diseases of the cervical spine. The experimental group consisted of 28 jet pilots (Mig-21, Mig-23, Su-22), while the control group included 30 patients from vocational groups not associated with aviation. The parameters of blood flow in the cervical and vertebral arteries were compared with the values obtained in a 23-person group of healthy males. The research methods included a clinical evaluation focused on symptoms of vertebrobasilar insufficiency, functional testing of spine, x-ray and MRI examinations of the cervical spine, an evaluation of risk factors for atherosclerosis, and an ultrasonic measurement of blood flow velocity in the affected vessels. Results. Relatively more degenerative changes were found in the experimental group. The degenerative lesions most often observed included osteophytes, stenosis of the intervertebral disc, hernia of the intervertebral disc, and changes in the Luschke joints. Conclusions. Degenerative changes in the cervical segment of the spine produce a reduction in the velocity of blood flow in the cervical arteries of jet pilots. Vertebrobasilar insuficiency is more highly correlated with the functional status of the cervical spine and atherosclerotic changes in the vessels than with degenerative changes in the cervical spine.

Key words:
cervical blood flow, Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency, Atherosclerosis

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