Probable bends at 14,000 feet: a case report

Abstract

Decompression sickness has not previously been reported at altitudes below 16,000 ft (4,878m), unless the patient had been previously exposed to hyperbaric conditions (SCUBA). There are some underdocumented reports at lower altitudes. We are reporting a suspected case of bends appearing at 14,000 ft (4,268m) in a young student Naval aviator. The patient's only predisposing factors were an old athletic injury repaired with a permanently retained screw (foreign body) and a regular exercise program. A short discussion of bends is included.