U.S. Army Aviation Epidemiology Data Register: Incidence and Age-specific Rates of Herniated Nucleus among U.S. Army Aviators, 1987-1992.

Abstract : The U.S. Army Aviation Epidemiology Data Register (AEDR) was queried for listings of Army aviators with the finding of herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) for the 6-year period of 19S7 to 1992. This study tabulated the incidence, age-specific annual rates of HNP, and the distribution of aeromedical dispositions for aircrew with HNP. The U.S. Army aviation medicine community can expect an annual incidence rate about 1 case of HNP per 1,000 aviators years. However, the incidence rate is increasing. Aviators about age 40 were at the greatest risk. About 7.4 percent of the aviators with HNP were removed permanently from Army flying duties due to HNP complications.