Usaf Waiver Guide
Clinical Practice Guideline For ABNORMAL SPINAL CURVATURE Developed for the Aerospace Medical Association by their constituent organization American Society of Aerospace Medicine Specialists Overview: Abnormal spinal curvature, also known as kyphoscoliosis, has an incidence approximating 0.1% in the U.S. Population (12) while the USAF Aeromedical Consult Service recorded an incidence of approximately 3% in their active duty referral population (19). Scoliosis curves measured by the Cobb method (6) are classified mild (100 °; 12). Reported errors of measurement include ± 2-3 ° (15, 18), with standard deviations of ± 2.4 ° for orthopedists and ± 7.2 ° for radiologists (24). Mild curves 100 ° ) has been associated with reduced vital capacity which could produce lower arterial oxygen content, predisposing to pulmonary hypertension or cor pulmonale (5, 12).
Cardiology consultation to exclude pulmonary hypertension when right axis deviation is seen on ECG has been previously recommended (16). In fact, cardiology referral in the context of aeromedical evaluation is unnecessary due to the unlikely presentation of curves 100 °, well above the maximum waiverable limit. No surgical or non-surgical treatment options were identified with the capability of correcting disqualifying kyphoscoliosis to meet aeromedical standards. Biomechanics of spinal curvature may predispose to an increased risk of spine fracture or other injuries during high G exposures such as those associated with the use of ejection seats or hard landings in rotary wing aircraft (9). Vertebral fractures frequently occur at loads exceeding the set ejection seat exposure limit of 20G (9, 11), but can occur with forces as low as 10-12Gs when the spine is not entirely vertical (9). The upper body center of gravity lies anterior to the spine and increasing kyphoscoliosis shifts the center of gravity further forward or out of vertical alignment. This deviation increases the potential for flexion compression fracture (22).
Consequently, entrance exam restrictions for aircrew previously proposed have ranged from a scoliosis curve maximum of 10 ° in 1971 (10), to the USAF standard of 20 °, which increased to 25 ° in 1993 (17, 24). Finally, the current anatomically specific USAF restrictions are described in the Aeromedical Disposition section below. Two studies of USAF ejection-related vertebral fractures have shown: (a) 6 USAF crewmen experiencing 2 ejections within a 2-month to 8-year interval, in whom no vertebral column injury was found after the 2nd ejection, despite the fact that all 6 suffered vertebral fractures with the 1st ejection (20, 21); (b) a 10-year follow-up of 70 crewmen with normal vertebral spine x-rays just after ejection, wherein 30 developed radiologic evidence of compression fractures on follow-up (7, 20). Aeromedical Concerns: Primary aeromedical concerns relative to kyphoscoliosis involve the increased risk of fracture or other spinal injuries with increasing deviation of the spinal axis from the vertical position.
Additional risks of sudden incapacitation, critically distracting symptoms, or functional limitations during flight may accompany clinically significant or progressive spinal curvatures. Medical Work-up: Clinical suspicion of abnormal spinal curvature should be evaluated with plain film radiographs and orthopedic consultation to include orthopedist measurement of kyphosis, lordosis, and scoliosis curves by the Cobb method (24). Although aeromedically acceptable spinal curvature is not likely to affect pulmonary function, normal baseline PFTs would suggest a good prognosis, particularly for borderline cases where a waiver is being considered (5). Since kyphoscoliosis-related pulmonary hypertension or cor pulmonale is unlikely to occur with scoliosis curves 20 °, thoracic scoliosis 30 °, or kyphosis and lordosis greater than 55 degrees. DQ for Flying (all classes): Lumbar scoliosis 20 °, thoracic scoliosis 25 °, any abnormal curvature producing noticeable deformity when dressed, pain, interference with function, or which is progressive. Finally, DQ for survival training instructor duty selection or retention: Scoliosis 25 °, any abnormal spine curvature with noticeable deformity, pain, interference with function, or which is progressive (4).
Usaf Medical Waiver Guide
The United States Navy DQ scoliosis 20 ° without waiver for applicants, but can be waived in designated personnel. DQ kyphosis 40 °, may be waived to 45 ° in designated personnel.
Waiver is not normally considered when pain, interference with function, or progression are present (2). The United States Army DQ for initial flight applicants: Any degree of lumbar or thoracic scoliosis. DQ for flying personnel: Scoliosis 20 °, but routinely waived to 25 ° if asymptomatic; kyphosis or lordosis 55 °. Waivers not normally granted when pain, interference with function, or when condition is progressive (1). Aeromedical Disposition (civilian): The Civil Aeromedical Institute branch of the FAA does not list specific kyphoscoliosis guidelines, but notes that any significant restriction of range of motion or motor deficit being considered for medical certification may require a Medical Flight Test to determine eligibility for a Statement of Demonstrated Ability, to be coordinated through the Regional Flight Surgeon. Follow-up status reports are recommended annually for any deficit that may be slowly progressive. If chronic back pain is present, a complete orthopedic or neurosurgical evaluation is recommended and a medical certificate should not be issued if pain is sufficient to prevent prolonged sitting, or if severe radiculopathy or motor dysfunction are present (13).
Waiver Experience (military): A large military waiver database lists 33 waiver requests for abnormal spinal curvature with 18 approved and 15 disapproved from May 2002 to Oct 2007. Factors associated with approval included continuation aircrew in positions limited to low G, non-ejection seat, non-rotary aircraft, e.g., experienced military pilots, boom operators, airborne linguists, and flight surgeons. Factors associated with disapproval included initial applicants for pilot, navigator, and para-rescue positions, in addition to those with higher spinal curvatures, e.g., 27%. Waiver Experience (civilian): FAA Special Issuance medical certificates granted for spinal column deformity over the past 3 years totaled 1,914, including 629 First Class, 440 Second Class, and 845 Third Class certificates, as of Oct 2007.
Although the number of special issuances denied for spinal column deformity is not available, only 9.4% (2,663) of the total 28,235 SI applications received in 2006 were deferred or denied. References: 1. Abnormal Spinal Curvature. Army Aeromedical Policy Letters. Retrieved on 1 Oct 2007 from 2. Abnormal Spinal Curvature. Navy Aeromedical Reference and Waiver Guide, Orthopedics.
Retrieved on 1 Oct 2007 from 3. The adult scoliosis. 2005; 14:925-948. Air Force Instruction 48-123v2-3, 5 Jun 2006. Retrieved on 1 Oct 2007 from 5.
Bradford DS, Lonstein JE, Ogilvie JW, Winter RB ( eds). Moe’s Textbook of Scoliosis and Other Spinal Deformities. WB Saunders, Philadelphia. 1995; 17:369-370. Outline for the study of scoliosis in instructional course lectures. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
Usaf Waiver Guide 2018
JW Edwards Company, Ann Arbor, MI. 1948; 261-275. Long term effects of ejecting from aircraft.
Aerospace Medicine. 1970; 41(7):803-804. As cited in Rayman RB, Hastings JD, Kruyer WB, Levy RA, Pickard JS.
Clinical Aviation Medicine, 4th ed. Professional Publishing Group, Ltd, New York. 2006; 3:53-57.
Principles of Orthopedic Practice. McGraw Hill, St Louis. 1997; 75:1441. DeHart RL, Davis JR. Fundamentals of Aerospace Medicine, 3rd ed. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia. 2002; 23:503.
DelaHaye RP, Gueffier G, Metges PJ. Radiologic examination of the spine and the combat pilot’s capability for duty (Radiologic spinal examination of combat pilots and limiting angle for scoliosis). Improved and simplified methods for the clinical evaluation of aircrew; papers presented at the Aerospace Medical Panel specialist meeting held in Luchon, France, 29-30 September 1971. Conference proceedings no.
95, part 2, Advisory Group for Aerospace Research and Development, Paris, France. Ernsting F, King P. Aviation Medicine, 4th ed.
Butterworths, Boston. 2006; 24:379. Fishman’s Pulmonary Diseases and Disorders, 3rd ed.
McGraw-Hill Companies, New York. 1998; 97:1542-1547. Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners, Decision Considerations. Federal Aviation Administration. Updated 30 May 2006.
Retrieved on 2 Oct 2007 from 14. Hawes MC, O’Brien JP. The transformation of spinal curvature into spinal deformity: Pathological processes and implications for treatment. Retrieved on 1 Oct 2007 from 15. Jeffries BF, Tarlton J, DeSmet AA, Dwyer SJ, Brower AC. Computerized measurements and analysis of scoliosis. 1980; 134:381-385.
As cited in Wilson MS, Stockwell J, Leedy MG. Measurement of scoliosis by orthopedic surgeons and radiologists. Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine. 1983; Jan:69-71. Abnormal Spinal Curvature, Updated Jun 1998. USAF Aeromedical Waiver Guide.
Retrieved on 1 Oct 2007 from 17. Morris CE, Briggs J, Popper SE. Human subject research at Armstrong Laboratory, 1973-93: Medical and musculoskeletal disqualifications. Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine.
1997; 68(5):378-383. Studies in idiopathic scoliosis relevant to etiology, conservative and operative treatment. Acta Orthop Scand. 1973; (Supp):1-178. As cited in Wilson MS, Stockwell J, Leedy MG. Measurement of scoliosis by orthopedic surgeons and radiologists.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine. 1983; Jan:69-71. Popper SE, Morris CE. Are human subject volunteers still players in aeromedical research as we enter the 21st century? Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine.
1997; 68(8):746-750. Rayman RB, Hastings JD, Kruyer WB, Levy RA, Pickard JS. Clinical Aviation Medicine, 4th ed. Professional Publishing Group, Ltd, New York. 2006; 3:55-59. Study of pilots who have made multiple ejections. Aerospace Medicine.
1970; 41(5):563-566. As cited in Rayman RB, Hastings JD, Kruyer WB, Levy RA, Pickard JS.
Clinical Aviation Medicine, 4th ed. Professional Publishing Group, Ltd, New York. 2006; 3:53-57.
Vasishta VG, Pinto LJ. Aviation Radiology: Teaching series. Ind J Aerospace Med. 2003; 47(2):42-44. Weinstein SL, Ponstei IV. Curve progression in idiopathic scoliosis.
Usaf Waiver Guide 2017
J Bone Joint Surg. 1983; 65:447-455. Wilson MS, Stockwell J, Leedy MG. Measurement of scoliosis by orthopedic surgeons and radiologists. Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine. 1983; Jan:69-71.
Description This application presents the medical standards for special duty personnel of the United States Air Force, Army, and Navy as well as other useful tools and information for Aerospace Medicine professionals. Version 2.0 (Requires iOS v11+): Significant improvements to the user interface, including: - Faster PDF loading - Improved PDF readability - Ability to add bookmarks to PDFs - Pinch-to-zoom functionality - Improved search function - Ability to print/share directly from app Document updates: - AF Medical Standards Directory (24 May 2018 v2) - AFI 11-202v1 Aircrew Training (14 Jun 2018) - AFMAN 91-223 Aviation Safety Investigations & Reports (6 Jun 2018) - USN ManMed Chapter 15 Physical Exams & Standards for Enlistment, Commission, & Special Duty (1 Jun 2018). 1.30 May 28, 2018. Version 2.0 (Requires iOS v11+): Significant improvements to the user interface, including: - Faster PDF loading - Improved PDF readability - Ability to add bookmarks to PDFs - Pinch-to-zoom functionality - Improved search function - Ability to print/share directly from app Document updates: - AF Medical Standards Directory (24 May 2018 v2) - AFI 11-202v1 Aircrew Training (14 Jun 2018) - AFMAN 91-223 Aviation Safety Investigations & Reports (6 Jun 2018) - USN ManMed Chapter 15 Physical Exams & Standards for Enlistment, Commission, & Special Duty (1 Jun 2018).