Analysis of 152 cases weeded out with spinal imaging examination in Air Force cadet candidates' physical examination

ZHU Yuelong; ZHU Qiaozhi; LIU Jin; Zhao Ziyuan

Abstract：Objective To analyze the characteristics of cadet candidates who were weeded out with spinal imaging examination during Air Force cadet candidates physical examination, and improve the quality of spine X-ray examination for the physical selection of flying cadets.Methods 152 high school graduates who had been weeded out with spinal imaging examination were collected during Air Force cadet candidates physical examinations from 2010 to 2013. All were taken digital radiography(DR)with infront and lateral of the neck, thoracic, lumbar spine, and double views of the neck, lumbar spine in erect position, and CT, magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)for the related parts with suspected abnormalities.Results Among 152 cases, there were 78 cases of lumbar spondylolysis which included 77 cases of L5 with bilateral, 1 case of L4 bilateral spondylolysis. There were 6 cases with first degree of L5 spondylolisthesis. Among 78 cases there were 7 cases confirmed by the CT scan. 22 cases of Scoliosis's Cobb's angle were between 11°to 25°with rotation. There were 21 cases of block vertebrae, among which 3 cases were performed with additional CT scan and 3D reconstructions which showed with spinal stenosis. There were 10 cases of cadisc degeneration diseases, among which 2 cases were examined by MRI. 7 cases of lumbar endplate depression were performed by CT scan with 2D reconstruction, among which 3 cases were examined with MRI which showed the nucleus pulposus dilated, the disc height increased, the corresponding endplate destructed and proliferated. There were also 6 cases of spina bifida occulta, and 6 cases of vertebral wedge. 1 case of hemivertebra and 1 cass of butterfly vertebrae were found.Conclusion The main causes of weeding out were lumbar spondylolysis, scoliosis, vertebral, block disc degeneration disease, and lumbar endplate concave. The application of CT scan and MRI can improve the quality of physical examination of cadet candidates and provide scientific basis for medical identification of spinal abnormalities in physical examination of cadet candidates.