A carrier-based naval pilot with spinal fracture returned to flight work after surgical and rehabilitation treatment: A case report

  Objective  To summarize the experience of postoperative rehabilitation for carrier-based naval pilots with spinal fracture who have returned to flight mission successfully.

  Methods   The patient was a carrier-based naval aviator with age of 35 years who had vertebral collapse (L1) and multiple thoracolumbar contusion in April, 2016. After minimally invasive posterior transpedicular fixation and percutaneous bone grafting of L1 vertebral body, he still had dyskinesia. The rehabilitation consisted of three stages, and each stage included six main assessment categories and relevant training programs, such as range of motion (ROM), core strength, distal strength, cardiopulmonary function, gait parameters and occupational ability.

  Results   The treatment lasted for 1 year, and the patient was able to do plunk. Meanwhile, the ROM of spine, muscular strength, cardiopulmonary function index, gait parameters and occupational ability were all improved significantly. The total score of functional movement screen (FMS) was 33 points. On May 31, 2017, he returned to flight successfully after qualified by the Navy Certifying Commission, the Astronaut Center and the Air Force Research Institute.

  Conclusion   After three-stage rehabilitation, the patient's physical performance improves and reaches the level of ball game player, which suggests that the program of three-stage rehabilitation program can be used in spinal rehabilitation for fighter pilots.