A case of decompression sickness at 2,437 meters (8,000 feet)

Abstract

Among aviators, decompression sickness is a condition that occurs almost exclusively at altitudes above 6,098 m (20,000 ft). Several reports have been published describing the development of decompression sickness after altitude exposures of 3,049 to 4,878 m (10,000-16,000 ft). In most of these cases, the affected individual had a previous history of pain in the involved area due to prior trauma or surgery, or had other risk factors for decompression sickness, such as obesity. Few of these reports have confirmed the presence of decompression sickness by a test of pressure. A case is reported here of multiple joint pains developing after a rapid decompression at 2,439 m (8,000 ft), which improved during descent and rapidly resolved with recompression therapy. There was no prior history of joint pain, trauma, or diving. A brief discussion of decompression sickness is included.