Among Army aviators, the incidence of total hip arthroplasty (THA) is unkno
wn. This study analyzes the incidence and aeromedical disposition of THA am
ong Army aviators. The U.S. Army Epidemiology Data Register was queried for
a 10-year period from calendar year 1987 to 1996. The aviators selected fo
r this study cohort were all qualified and on active flight status before u
ndergoing THA. Data collected included age, gender, diagnoses, and aeromedi
cal dispositions. There were 214,003 aviator-years of observation. Eleven a
viators underwent 14 THAs. The overall incidence of THA was 0.05 per 1,000
aviator-years of observation. Of the 11 aviators who underwent THA during t
he study period, 4 received aeromedical suspension from flying duties (36%)
. THA is a rare medical event among Army aircrew members. Most are able to
return to full flying duties with a waiver. Aircrew members younger than 50
years with THA are more likely to be suspended from aviation duties.