An empirical study on medical selection of flying cadets regarding genu varum and genu valgum between PLAAF and USAF / 军事医学

ABSTRACT

Objective To reveal the difference between the standards for genu varum and genu valgum in the medical standard directory PLA Air Force( PLAAF) for recruitment of flying cadets and those adopted in the United States Air Force ( USAF) , and suggest a method for the reform of our flying cadets recruitment.Methods The rejection rate and comprehe nsive assessment qualification rate of genu varum and genu valgum during physical examinations for recruitment of flying cadets between 2012 and 2015 were analyzed.The different standards for genu varum and genu valgum in PLAAF and USAF flying cadets recruitment were compared and subjected to an empirical study.Results During the final physical examination for selection of flying cadets between 2012 and 2015, only 18 candidates were eliminated because of genu varum and genu valgum, accounting 9.1% of the total eliminated candidates because of orthopadics diseases.Four candidates with genu varum and genu valgum passed the comprehensive assessment in 2014 and 31 in 2015, which accounted for 15%of the candidates with orthopaedics diseases approved by comprehensive assessment.The standards for genu varum and genu valgum in PLAAF were based on morphology while those in the USAF based on the function of knees.According to the USAF medical standard directory, 9 of the candidates rejected because of genu varum and genu valgum were qualified and 9 disqualified.Among the candidates with genu varum and genu valgum approved by comprehensive assessment, 32 were qualified and 3 disqualified.Conclusion The standards for genu varum and genu valgum in PLAAF medical standard directory are of lower accuracy.The standards of USAF should be referred to and the function of knees should be considered in selection of flying cadets.Femur-tibia angle should be measured to improve the morphological standards.