Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 2/27/2007

Question
Dr. Jackson: My mother was in an ATV (4-wheeler) accident on 12-24-06. She broke her right upper humerous, right scapula, and 7 ribs. The humerous was pinned 1 week after the accident and she is doing phenomenally well following PT! Back to work and even driving (not a 4 wheeler! :) My question for you is how soon is she able to fly? We have been unable to receive a definitive answer from any of her doctors. Her lungs are clear (there was a small patch of fluid on her lungs, no puncture at the time of the accident. This has since resolved on follow-up radiographs). Her physicians were concerned about the change in cabin pressure. She lives in snowy Oregon and is looking forward to a break in sunny Florida. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Sarah

Answer
Hi there Sarah
I suspect that unfortunately that no one is willing to take responsibility for this decision. I am based in the UK and though we do not face the same degree of litigation it does still come into play here. So what do I think. You don't mention how old your mother is but she sounds fairly young as she is still working. I think you should follow what your common sense tells you - if your mother is well, back at work and not breathless doing the things she does then she sounds fit to me. We would have to ask ourselves - if not fit for this at 8 weeks then when, would it be 10 or 12 weeks? What would have changed in that time to allow your mother to fly?
I'm not sure how long the flight is but it would be worth considering taking some action to prevent a DVT (thrombosis). Regular exercise during the flight, drink plenty of fluids (sorry non alcoholic), special support stockings to aid blood flow back from her legs and even though there is no evidence to show benefit I still use aspirin for a few days around long flights. Now all of above is based on the information you have given me - I have no idea if your doctors know something I don't about your mother. However I doubt this is the case. So I hope this helps - remember the common sense bit is the important bit.
Dr Ian Jackson