Meta-analysis of incidence of degenerative and sprained/strained cervical spine diseases in military aviators

CHENLi-jun; WEIJie; GONGCheng; KONGDe-liang; WANGFei; FANYu; ZHAOPing; WANGJian-chang

Abstract：Objective Our goal was to analyze and conclude the incidence of degenerative and sprained/strained cervical spine diseases in military aviators.Methods We systematically searched Medline and Pubmed from 1950,CMB from 1978,CMCI from 1994,CMADP from 1998,CMJD from 1989 and CHKD from 1994 to June 2013 for literatures about incidence of degenerative and sprained/strained cervical spine diseases in military aviators,and critically reviewed literature.Then we assessed the quality of the literatures using a 4-grade scale, concerning study design,objects,sample size,results and research institutes,and concluded the incidence of disease.Results Of 121 Chinese literatures and 393 English literatures related to degenerative and sprained/strained cervical spine diseases in military aviators,12 Chinese literatures and 22 English literatures,concerning incidence of the disease,were accepted.There were 2 literatures in grade A,7 in grade B,17 in grade C,8 in grade D.Incidence of neck pain related to flying in military aviators was 57.98%,incidence of cervical spondylosis was 32.53%,and incidence of cervical radiculopathy was 0.50%.Incidence of hospitalization was 5.42%.Cervial lumbar spine disease accounted for 10.01%in military aviator hospitalization disease,10.06%in permanent grounding diseases.Conclusion About 60%military aviators would encounter neck pain related to flying,incidence of cervical spondylosis was more than 30%. Thus, cervical and lumbar spine disease was the No 1 disease causing hospitalization and permanent grounding.