Korean J Aerosp Environ Med.
2016 Apr;26(1):21-24.
Rib Fracture in a Pilot after Centrifuge Training: Evaluated by Ultrasonography
- Affiliations
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- 1Aeromedical Squadron of the 1st Flighter Wing, Republic of Korea Air Force, Gwangju, Korea
- 2Department of Nursing, Gwang Yang Health College, Gwangyang, Korea
Abstract
- Rib fracture is the most common injury resulting from blunt chest trauma. We report a case of rib fracture in operational pilot after the human centrifuge training up to 8 G. The fracture was initially missed on plain radiographs, but diagnosed by the ultrasonography (US) in aeromedical squadron. The case highlights that physicians must be aware that rib fractures can occur even to healthy experienced pilots with the centrifuge training and must set the period of grounding to take time for proper treatment and avoid high-G aircraft flight.