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Orthopaedic disorders and flying

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

  • fractures
    • simple fractures - flying is contraindicated for 2 days
    • compound/comminuted fractures - flying is contraindicated for 5+ days
    • air trapped in fresh plaster casts will expand and may cause constriction. Therefore if a tubular cast has been applied less than 48 hours previously then this needs to be split or bivalved before flight

The following table is provided as a guide only to the timeframe that should elapse between a medical event and the intended flight. The timeframes may be changed following considered medical assessment of a specific case (3,4):

Diagnosis

Assessment required by a doctor with aviation medicine experience

Accept as fit to fly if:

Comments

Major hip, knee, or ankle surgery

If unable to mobilize with a walking aid and sit fully upright in the seat for take-off and landing

Consideration for DVT prophylaxis is very important. If no DVT prophylaxis, longer travel (>6 hrs) within the first 6 weeks should only be taken if essential

Arthroscopic joint surgery

If able to mobilize with a walking aid and sit fully upright in the seat for take-off and landing

Full plaster cast (flight more than 2 hrs.)

Less than 48 hours after injury if the cast is not bivalved

>= 48hrs

Comply also with anaemia rules for # femur/pelvis i.e. HB 8.5 gm/dl

For up to date advice then check current guidance (3,4).

Note that these are only guidelines and each airline has its own regulations and medical standards.

Reference:

  1. 'Medical guidelines for air travel', Aviation, Space and Environmental Medicine, October 1996, 67, 10, 11.
  2. Doctor (April 2005). Ready reckoner - fitness to fly.
  3. Civil Aviation Authority. Fitness to Fly (Accessed 1/8/19)
  4. International Air Transport Association. Medical Manual 11th Edition (2018).

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