Orthopaedics

Question 1

Effect of the environment on orthopaedic conditions

Answer 1

increase pain due to vibration, PPE (G-suit, harness, helmet) posture, +Gz

Risk of further injury
Physical nature of tasks, ergonomics, anthropometry, uneven surface eg roller, ejections

Question 2

Effect of the condition on aviation - orthopaedic

Answer 2

Cast
external fixation 
other splinting
Functional ability reduced to pain, weakness, decreased ROM and reach, decreased mobility - emergency egress
ability to operate controls fully
Medication

Question 3

Internal fixation of fractured femur
Environment vs condition
Condition vs aviation

Answer 3

Environment vs condition

• ejection
• +Gz
• vibration
• ingress/egress
• rudder forces and deflection

Condition vs aviation

• pain
• strength
• mobility
• managing medication
• risk of further injury

Question 4

TMUFF periods for
Naproxen, dicofenac, ketoprofen
tramadol
opiates

Answer 4

Naproxen, dicofenac, ketoprofen

• Ground trail 7 days
• UAMECR if long term

Tramadol - unfit to fly
Opiates - unfit to fly

Question 5

aeromedical disposition for orthopaedic conditions

Answer 5

Highly variable condition dependent
TMUFF until pain resolved, casts, external fixates removed and function returned
expect to return to flying if no permanent deficit

Question 6

Lower back pain aviation on condition

Answer 6

impact of aviation on condition
- vibration, nature of duties eg lifting, prolonged sitting, posture while flying, anthropometry the helicopter hunch, work station ergonomics, +Gz, ejection

Question 7

Lower back pain condition on aviation

Answer 7

Pain, weakness, decreased ROM, medication

Question 8

Aeromedical disposition for lower back pain

Answer 8

Military

• TMUFF during workup and exacerbations
• Significant back pain is disqualifying for transfer/recruitment
• Outcome of MEC depend on severity and treatment

CASA
- most cases fit for certificate unless debilitating and any disqualifying medications

Question 9

injury from ejections

Answer 9

Thoraco-lumbar vertebral crush fractures
femoral #
mandibular #
sternal #
cervical flexion injuries
Shoulder disloactions
lower limb/other injuries on landing

Question 10

a useful tool for determining the aeromedical disposition of musculoskeletal injuries is 
A function assessment
B goniometer
C drip strength measurement
D neurocognitive testing

Answer 10

a functional assessment