Dysbaric Osteonecrosis Screening in Turkish Navy Divers
Uzun G, Toklu AS, Yildiz S, Sonmez G, Aktaş Ş, Sezer H, Mutlu H, Cimşit M. Dysbaric osteonecrosis screening in Turkish Navy divers. Aviat Space Environ Med 2008; 79:44–6.
Introduction: Dysbaric osteonecrosis (DON) is regarded as an occupational disease for caisson workers, commercial, and military divers. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was suggested for the surveillance of military divers for DON. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of DON in Turkish Navy divers. Methods: The shoulder, hip, and knee joints of 106 male divers were screened for DON with MRI. A questionnaire was used to obtain information about subjects’ medical history and diving experience. Results: The mean age of divers was 34.3 ± 5.8 yr. The divers had spent an average of 12.1 ± 6.1 yr at their occupation. The average of total hours of diving was 834 ± 458 h. The maximum diving depth was 53.0 ± 18.4 m (175 ± 61 ft) and the average diving depth was 13.3 ± 8.4 m (44 ± 28 ft). MRI examinations of divers did not reveal bone lesions consistent with osteonecrosis. Discussion: We concluded that the risk of DON is very low for military divers who strictly obey the decompression rules and who undergo periodic medical examination. The use of MRI for routine screening of military divers is not justified.
Introduction: Dysbaric osteonecrosis (DON) is regarded as an occupational disease for caisson workers, commercial, and military divers. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was suggested for the surveillance of military divers for DON. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of DON in Turkish Navy divers. Methods: The shoulder, hip, and knee joints of 106 male divers were screened for DON with MRI. A questionnaire was used to obtain information about subjects’ medical history and diving experience. Results: The mean age of divers was 34.3 ± 5.8 yr. The divers had spent an average of 12.1 ± 6.1 yr at their occupation. The average of total hours of diving was 834 ± 458 h. The maximum diving depth was 53.0 ± 18.4 m (175 ± 61 ft) and the average diving depth was 13.3 ± 8.4 m (44 ± 28 ft). MRI examinations of divers did not reveal bone lesions consistent with osteonecrosis. Discussion: We concluded that the risk of DON is very low for military divers who strictly obey the decompression rules and who undergo periodic medical examination. The use of MRI for routine screening of military divers is not justified.
Keywords: diving; dysbaric osteonecrosis; magnetic resonance imaging; military diver
Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: 01 January 2008
- The peer-reviewed monthly journal, Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine (ASEM) provides contact with physicians, life scientists, bioengineers, and medical specialists working in both basic medical research and in its clinical applications. It is the most used and cited journal in its field. ASEM is distributed to more than 80 nations.
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