Cervico-thoracic disc protrusions in controlled compressed-air diving : clinical and MRI findings

• Published in: Journal of neurology Vol. 248; no. 6; pp. 514 - 516
• Main Authors: BARTSCH, Thorsten, CORDES, Peter, KEIL, Rainer, REUTER, Michael, HUTZELMANN, Alfred, TETZLAFF, Kay, DEUSCHL, Günther
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin Springer 01-06-2001; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Cervical Vertebrae - pathology; Diving - adverse effects; Humans; Intervertebral Disc Displacement - etiology; Intervertebral Disc Displacement - pathology; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Medical sciences; Neurology; Risk Factors; Spinal cord; Spinal Cord - pathology; Thoracic Vertebrae - pathology; Transport. Aerospace. Diving. Altitude; Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents; United States > US; Germany; Human; Prognosis; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Spine disease; Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; Long term; Sports medicine; Hernia; Dorsal spine; Medical imagery; Adult; Complication; Diving; Diagnosis; Intervertebral disk; Cervical spine
• ISSN: 0340-5354; 1432-1459
• DOI: 10.1007/s004150170162

Prevalence of cervical and thoracic disc protrusions was investigated by MRI in 24 military long-term compressed-air divers and 24 controls. A total of 26 disc protrusions (17 cervical disc protrusions) were detected in 58% of the divers whereas 18 protrusions were detected in 38 % of the controls (13 disc cervical protrusions). There was no significant difference between groups and no correlation with the diving experience. Neurological examination revealed no clinical abnormalities. In contrast to a recent study, our results suggest that long-term divers are at no increased risk for accumulating spinal disc protrusions or intramedullary abnormalities.