Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners
Decision Considerations - Aerospace Medical Dispositions
Item 43. Spine and other Musculoskeletal - Spine, other musculoskeletal
| Disease/Condition | Class | Evaluation Data | Disposition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active disease of bones and joints
If due to a specific condition - see that page If due to arthritis – see arthritis page |
All | Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports | Requires FAA Decision |
| Ankylosis, curvature, or other marked deformity of the spinal column sufficient to interfere with the performance of airman duties | All | Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports | Requires FAA Decision |
| Intervertebral Disc Surgery | All | See Footnote 14 | See Footnote 14 |
| Musculoskeletal effects of: Muscular Dystrophy or Myopathies | All | Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports | Requires FAA Decision |
| Musculoskeletal effects of Cerebral Palsy or Myasthenia Gravis | All | See: Cerebral Palsy Disposition Table See: Myasthenia Gravis Disposition Table |
Requires FAA Decision |
| Other disturbances of musculoskeletal function, acquired or congenital, sufficient to interfere with the performance of airman duties or likely to progress to that degree | All | Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports | Requires FAA Decision |
| Symptomatic herniation of intervertebral disc | All | Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports | Requires FAA Decision |
14 A history of intervertebral disc surgery is not disqualifying. If the applicant is asymptomatic, has completely recovered from surgery, is taking no medication, and has suffered no neurological deficit, the Examiner should confirm these facts in a brief statement in Item 60. The Examiner may then issue any class of medical certificate, providing that the individual meets all the medical standards for that class.
The paraplegic whose paralysis is not the result of a progressive disease process is considered in much the same manner as an amputee. The Examiner should defer issuance and may advise the applicant to request a Medical Flight Test.
Other neuromuscular conditions are covered in more detail in Item 46.